Poland enhances VSHORAD capacities
POPRAD equips brigades and regiments in Poland (photo - Polish MoD Armament Inspectorate)
The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) Armament Inspectorate announced on 15 December the delivery of the last nine self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems POPRAD. The very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) solution was manufactured by PIT-Radwar S.A. and acquired in December 2015.
POPRAD was designed to operate in the lowest tier of air and missile defence and can detect, identify and combat air targets at close distances.
It features ultra-short-range MESKO Grom anti-aircraft missiles and its modernised versions Piorun. The missiles are placed on the transport compartment of the AMZ-Kutno Żubr vehicle.
In total, Poland purchased 79 POPRADs, which are spread throughout the country equipping mechanised and rifle brigades as well as anti-aircraft regiments. These systems were first handed over in 2018.
The Armament Inspectorate also reported on 16 December the delivery of six KTO Rosomak command vehicles acquired in December 2020. These platforms will equip the 16th Mechanised Division and support operations to protect the Polish-Belarusian border.
Early this year, Poland also received a batch of 25 LPU Wirus-4 light strike vehicles (LSVs) to patrol the area.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
-
Canada reveals first requirements for future long-range air-to-air missile
Exclusive: Ottawa says its future NORAD interceptor must be highly stealthy, resistant to jamming and capable of engaging threats at very long range, while leaving the competition open to domestic and international suppliers.