The Armaments Agency of the Polish Ministry of National Defense has signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin for the Homar-A Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Under the program, Polish industry will work with Lockheed Martin to integrate key components of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rocket launcher onto a Jelcz 6×6 truck. The agreement builds on Lockheed Martin’s growing partnership ecosystem in Poland. It includes technology transfer and production orders for HIMARS ammunition. Key participants from Polish industry include Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), WZU and MESKO.
Polska Grup Zbrojeniowa And Lockheed Martin Will Integrate Key Components Of The HIMARS Launcher Onto A Jelcz Truck As Part Of The Homar-A Program (Photo Credit: Leszek Chemperek CO/MON)
Under the terms of the framework agreement, 486 Homar-A vehicles will be assembled in Poland, with first deliveries starting in 2026. In addition, tens of thousands of rocket ammunition missiles will be produced.
«The development of our Homar-A program marks another major step in strengthening Poland’s economic growth and security through partnerships with the local industrial base. We’re looking forward to jointly ensuring Poland and the entire region stay ahead of emerging security threats», said Paula Hartley, vice president and general manager of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin.
The signing took place following the International Defense Industry Expo (MSPO) where the partnership debuted the first full-scale prototype of the Homar-A MLRS launcher equipped with a munitions pod that carries 6 GMLRS rockets, each with the ability to address targets at ranges of 70+ kilometers/43.5+ miles. Homar-A will also be able to launch the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) munition, which reaches up to 300 kilometers/186.4 miles.
Earlier this year, Poland also received its first shipment of HIMARS purchased through a United States Government Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract. These launchers provide immediate capability and are interoperable with other defense systems used by Poland’s Armed Forces and regional allies.
A trusted partner for Poland’s national defense, industry, and economy, Lockheed Martin has invested $1.8 billion (USD) in Poland over the last 10 years. Today, its in-country operations sustain 6,700 high-value Polish jobs, of which 1,500 are with PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company and one of Poland’s leading defense exporters.
PGZ and its subsidiaries, PIT-RADWAR, JELCZ and WZU, working hand-in-hand with MBDA have been making rapid progress on the SHOrt-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) solution, known as «Mała NAREW», with the first two Polish iLaunchers of the system already in Poland undergoing integration and trials ahead of delivery to the customer.
PGZ and MBDA making rapid progress on «Mała NAREW»
This project aims to deliver rapidly two SHORAD-class fire units equipped with Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) missiles, integrated with SOŁA radar stations and the Polish Command and Control (C2) system.
The «Mała NAREW» units are being adapted to work within one SHORAD class solution. Functional integration of the radar stations, C2 systems and CAMM missile fire control software is going hand-in-hand with the physical integration of subsequent iLauncher with JELCZ trucks chassis. The first training sessions for operators of iLauncher and Polish components of the «Mała NAREW» system has already been conducted.
Sebastian Chwałek, CEO of PGZ S.A. said: «By implementing this program, we strengthen our credibility as a strategic partner for the army, ready to provide advanced air defence systems at record pace. We treat «Mała NAREW» as a test ground before the NAREW program, showing what our capabilities are and how to cooperate with major foreign partner MBDA UK on a joint project. We believe that this relationship will translate into further successes, both for our companies and the armies that will trust us to bring their air defence into XXI century».
Chris Allam, Managing Director of MBDA UK, said: «We’re proud that the co-operation between MBDA and PGZ achieved the arrival of the first air defence hardware into Poland in an incredibly short timeframe. The successes of the «Mała Narew» project are a very positive indicator for the success of PGZ-MBDA co-operation on the wider NAREW project that will include extensive transfer of technology and knowledge to Poland on missiles and launchers».
The «Mała NAREW» program, in addition to the fire units themselves, also includes a training and logistics package. Under the project, PGZ and MBDA are conducting integration of selected British and Polish elements of air defence systems as well as provide technical support for the ordered equipment at the operational stage. The contract provides for the delivery of the first «Mała NAREW» fire unit this year, and the second in 2023.
MBDA and PGZ have unveiled at MSPO 2019 an air defence solution that features MBDA’s Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) iLauncher integrated with a Polish Jelcz 8×8 truck chassis.
MBDA, PGZ showcase CAMM air defence solution on Jelcz vehicle
The two parties also re-confirm the will expressed in the Strategic Partnership Agreement for Missile Technology signed 2 February 2017 between PGZ-MBDA for co-operation on missile programmes.
Based around the CAMM family of interceptors, the MBDA proposed co-operation contains a very high level of Polish content and will see extensive transfer of technology and know-how with both the missile and iLauncher being progressively built in Poland. If selected the joint PGZ-MBDA solution offers the best solution for Polish industry and sovereignty.
Sebastian Chwałek, Deputy CEO of PGZ, said: «Implementation of the Narew programme by PGZ is fundamental for our future and the security of Poland. This is why we are demonstrating that there are no limitations for us in foreign co-operation. By joining our competences in communication and command systems, which are key for air defence, with our foreign partners’ missile technologies, we are ready to deliver a final product to the contracting party in a short time».
Jan Grabowski, MBDA’s Delegate in Poland, said: «This further deepening of the relationship between PGZ and MBDA is a great success for European defence co-operation. CAMM provides the Polish military and Polish industry with the best capabilities and technologies available on the world market, and the benefits of a true, European, partnership on missile technologies. Co-operation on CAMM is key to enabling deep co-operation on further missile programmes».
The CAMM family represent the latest generation of air defence technology. Utilising a next-generation active radar seeker and soft-launch technologies, CAMM is able to rapidly defeat large numbers of the most challenging modern air threats and is suitable for both land and maritime applications.
MBDA and PGZ have unveiled at MSPO 2019 a Tank Destroyer armed with the Brimstone precision strike missile. PGZ Companies and MBDA also signed a statement of co-operation at MSPO to confirm readiness to co-operate on offering this solution to Poland and export markets, recognising the combination of MBDA’s Brimstone missile with PGZ’s armoured vehicle expertise offers the best solution for Poland’s Tank Destroyer requirement from a military capability, sovereignty and industrial perspective.
MBDA showcases Tank Destroyer vehicle with PGZ at MSPO 2019
Sebastian Chwałek, Deputy CEO of PGZ, said: «We are growing our co-operation with MBDA into new areas. We have agreed on the ways of offering those solutions in export markets. By combining our competences with the experience of our British partners, we are able to achieve a lot and deliver the most modern solutions to both Polish and allied armed forces».
Adrian Monks, MBDA Sales Director in Poland, said: «Pairing the combat-proven MBDA Brimstone missile with the diverse range of current and future Polish platforms provides the ability to deliver rapid military capability for Poland and for wider markets, whilst strengthening our co-operation with PGZ Group on missiles».
The most important part of the Joint Statement of Co-operation is MBDAs’ declaration that Brimstone missile technology and know-how will be transferred to PGZ, with MESKO SA responsible for missile production. This co-operation is another field of the business relationship developed on the strategic co-operation between PGZ companies and MBDA.
The flexibility of the integration solution and ease of integration with the existing Polish targeting systems makes it flexible to be installed onto or within multiple Polish platforms, including those from WZM SA, HSW SA and Obrum, in any configuration and number of missiles.
The development comes in response to Poland’s requirement for a Tank Destroyer able to counter massed armour formations. With its long-range, all-weather performance, ability to defeat Active Protection Systems (APS), salvo-firing and moving target capability, Brimstone is uniquely able to meet this challenge.
The system is capable of engaging line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight targets, with a choice of engagement modes using digital targeting data provided over standard secure military networks fully interoperable with NATO.
MBDA and PGZ have unveiled at MSPO 2019 a Tank Destroyer armed with the Brimstone precision strike missile
The keel-laying ceremony for the new Swedish signals intelligence ship took place on 15 June 2018 at the Naval Shipyard, located in Gdynia, Poland. The event was attended by representatives from Saab, the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and invited guests.
Keel-laying ceremony for Swedish SIGINT ship built at Polish Naval Shipyard
Saab was awarded the contract to design and build the SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT) ship, which will replace the Swedish Navy’s existing HSwMS Orion (A201), by the Swedish Material Defence Administration FMV in 2017. Subsequently it selected Nauta Shiprepair Yard, belonging to PGZ Group, to perform the construction, launch and early sea trials of the vessel. Cooperation in ship construction between Saab and PGZ is a direct result of the agreement, signed in late 2016, to establish a close partnership between Saab and PGZ in the planning and delivery of naval programs.
«Special purpose ships are primarily used for the interception and analysis of radio-transmitted signals and need to be highly reliable and available. Therefore, you need highly skilled shipbuilders to build this kind of ship. We are very pleased with the progress of the construction process, and it was a pleasure to attend the keel laying ceremony at the Naval Shipyard, our partner in this project», explained Gunnar Wieslander, Senior Vice President and head of Saab Business Area Kockums.
«The keel-laying ceremony was an important event in this special shipbuilding project, and we are pleased to celebrate it with our Swedish partners. We know the special purpose vessel is very important for the Swedish Navy and we are treating the construction as a high priority undertaking», said Marcin Dąbrowski, Chairman of the Management Board, Nauta Shiprepair Yard.
The steel cutting for the ship took place in March 2018. Before the ship is delivered to the Swedish Navy, it will undergo final sea trials and installation of equipment with Saab Kockums in Karlskrona. The new ship, which will replace HSwMS Orion (A201) launched in 1984, will be 74 meters/243 feet long with a displacement of 2,200 tonnes.
Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), Turkey’s center of excellence in defence and aerospace industries and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), one of the largest defence groups in Europe comprising over 60 companies held a workshop on February 3rd, 2016 in Radom with 15 Turkish-Polish Defence Industry companies, regarding the possible cooperation on KRUK Combat Helicopter Procurement Program of the Polish Armament Inspectorate.
Turkey’s TAI has teamed with Poland’s PGZ group to compete with its T129 ATAK combat helicopter, a variant of AgustaWestland’s A-129 Mangusta, for the Polish KRUK combat helicopter program (TAI photo)
With long experience in merging and integrating the capabilities of local and global companies, TAI is now exploring the opportunity to cooperate with Polish companies with unique and exclusive qualifications in order to bring the already proven capabilities of the «T129 ATAK Multi-Role Combat Helicopter» to new heights, through the KRUK Program. As indicated and underlined repeatedly by TAI and several Turkish Defense Industry company representatives from the outset of the KRUK Program, TAI is ready to fine tune its combat proven T129 ATAK Helicopter platform to satisfy the specific requirements of the Polish end-user, through integrating distinguished Polish suppliers into its supply chain.
TAI has accumulated a vast level of experience in working on advanced defence projects with global players. From the very beginning of involvement in Poland, TAI ensures that cooperation with the PGZ Group into KRUK Program or other common projects will be focused on maximizing the benefits for the Polish defense and industry.
TAI is a global player in defence and aerospace industries through its capabilities in design, development, modernization, manufacturing, integration and life cycle support of integrated aerospace systems, from fixed and rotary wing air platforms to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and space systems. The widespread product and activity range of TAI is an indication that this newly blossoming cooperation between TAI and Polish industry will not be limited to the KRUK Program. It will be a sustainable, long-term win-win relationship in which all parties will find opportunities to advance their business goals in local and global markets in the medium run.
PGZ is pursuing a strategy to develop the highest capabilities of the Polish Defence Industry as well as its competitiveness on global markets. Through the passion and vision to become a leading manufacturer of high-technology equipment, PGZ is proved to be a strong business partner in Poland by forming a base for key competencies across the group’s 60+ companies and its 17,500 workforce.
The T129 ATAK Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter is a candidate for the KRUK Program of the Polish Armed Forces
T129 ATAK advanced attack helicopter
T129 ATAK is a new generation, tandem two-seat, twin-engine helicopter specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance purposes. T129 ATAK, developed from the combat proven AgustaWestland A129CBT, incorporates totally new system philosophy with new engines (LHTEC CTS 800-4A), new avionics, visionics and weapons, modified airframe, uprated drive train and new tail rotor.
The T129 ATAK is the helicopter selected in 2007 by the Government of Turkey for the Turkish Land Forces; development and production will be assured by the «ATAK Team», a Joint Partnership of Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. and AgustaWestland. The first TAI-manufactured helicopter was delivered to Turkish Land Forces by the end of April 2014.
T129 ATAK has been optimized to meet and exceed the «high and hot» performance requirements for harsh geographical and environmental conditions while providing the following key characteristics:
Day & night all environment capability; effective, precise weapon systems that provide combat superiority while low visual, aural, radar and IR signatures, high level of crashworthiness and ballistic tolerance provide high battlefield survivability.
Excellent situational awareness through good visibility arcs and fully integrated mission and communication systems.
Eased crew workloads through superior performance, agility and platform stability and handling qualities.
Reduced Preparation Time augmented by off-board Mission Planning System and reduced take-off time.
Low operating cost through effective design and on-condition maintenance.
T129 ATAK could be provided with MIZRAK ATGMs, and CIRIT (70-mm Guided Rockets) designed for Turkish Armed Forces. Further armament options include Hellfire and Spike ATGMs, Stinger A/A missiles. A new Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system increases image quality and range performance with real-time image processing and multiple target tracking with high resolution thermal camera, laser rangefinder, designator and spot tracker. The relatively small radar cross section and state of the art systems counter measure systems help to provide high battlefield survivability, low visual, aural, radar and IR signatures.
T129 ATAK advanced attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter
Technical Specifications
Powerplant
LHTEC CTS-800 4A, 2×1,014 kW/2×1,361 shp
Maximum Design Gross Weight
11,023 lbs/5,000 kg
Length
44.75 feet/13.64 m
Main Rotor Diameter
39 feet/11.9 m
Overall Height
13 feet/3.96 m
Crew
2, Tandem
Cruise Speed
145 knots/167 mph/269 km/h
Range
303 NM/349 miles/561 km
Hovering In Ground Effect (HIGE)
13,100 feet/3,993 m
Hovering Out of Ground Effect (HOGE)
10,000 feet/3,048 m
Service Ceiling
20,000 feet/6,096 m
Endurance
3 hrs (standard tank)
Armaments
2×4 UMTAS ATGM Missile (or Hellfire or Spike)
4×19 70-mm (2.75”) Unguided Rockets
4×2-4 70-mm (2.75”) Guided CIRIT Rockets
2×2 ATAM Stinger
T129 ATAK developed from the combat proven AgustaWestland A129CBT
