MSPO 2023: Poland to acquire new command posts for Pilica+ system

Poland's Pilica+ air-defence system will be equipped with new Zenit-MP+ Automated Command Posts. (Polish Armament Agency)

Poland will acquire 22 Zenit-MP+ Automated Command Posts (ZSD) for the Pilica+ air-defence system.

The PLN650 million (USD151 million) deal, signed between the Polish Armament Agency (AA), State Treasury, and PGZ-Pilica+ consortium, was announced at the MSPO 2023 defence exhibition held in Kielce from 5 to 8 September.

Deliveries are scheduled from 2025 to 2029, with training and service packages, as well as technical documentation being provided.

According to the AA, Zenit-MP+ is an automated command post that supports combat-related command-and-control.

The Pilica+ air-defence system, of which Zenit-MP+ will now be a part, encompasses MBDA short-range iLauncher rocket launchers and Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM) as well as Bystra radars from the PGZ-Pilica+ consortium, 23 mm 2A14 guns, and anti-aircraft missiles. It also consists of elements from the earlier Pilica variant, such as command posts, short-range radars, communications subsystems, ammunition and transport vehicles, as well as fire units with artillery tractors.

The Pilica+ consortium comprises Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów, PIT-Radwar, PCO, Jelcz Sp, Mesko, Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej, Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia, and Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne.