The Polish Armament Inspectorate advises that it has completed the technical dialogue that constitutes a further step in the acquisition of a medium-range air defence missile under the Wisla (Vistula) programme, aka Polish Shield, worth over $5 billion (AFP even reported $7.9 billion).
The two-stage technical dialogue - performed with four contractors - was part of the analytical and conceptual phase of Wisla. The goal was to refine tactical and technical requirements for new medium-range missiles, and the development of a Feasibility Study and a Preliminary Assumptions Tactical Technology (WZTT) study. Analysis allowed for the formulation of recommendations related to the acquisition of Wisla. The overriding criteria have been adopted, according to which the selected system should:
As a result of the proceedings, taking into account the above criteria, two contractors will be invited to pursue negotiations as part of the Wisla acquisition programme:
Taking into account the need to build national capability for production and in-service support of a new air defense missile, it was decided that the proceedings will be conducted under the procedures applicable to contracts relating to the protection of the fundamental interests of national security. This will ensure the participation of the Polish defence industry in the contract – for the manufacturing, servicing and subsequent upgrades.
A key role in this field will be played by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (Polish Armaments Group), who will be responsible for the coordination of industrial cooperation at the national level, also including companies that are not PGZ members.
The defence ministry rejected competing offers from the Israeli government (for DAVID's SLING) and from the MEADS consortium led by Lockheed Martin. The winning bidder is to be announced bythe end of the year.
The two-stage technical dialogue - performed with four contractors - was part of the analytical and conceptual phase of Wisla. The goal was to refine tactical and technical requirements for new medium-range missiles, and the development of a Feasibility Study and a Preliminary Assumptions Tactical Technology (WZTT) study. Analysis allowed for the formulation of recommendations related to the acquisition of Wisla. The overriding criteria have been adopted, according to which the selected system should:
- Be operational;
- Be in service with a NATO nation;
- Ensure the greatest possible participation of the Polish defense industry in manufacturing, servicing and future modernisation.
As a result of the proceedings, taking into account the above criteria, two contractors will be invited to pursue negotiations as part of the Wisla acquisition programme:
- A European consortium (Thales and MBDA-France) offering its SAMP/T;
- Raytheon offering PATRIOT.
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| PATRIOT launcher as used by the Bundeswehr. |
Taking into account the need to build national capability for production and in-service support of a new air defense missile, it was decided that the proceedings will be conducted under the procedures applicable to contracts relating to the protection of the fundamental interests of national security. This will ensure the participation of the Polish defence industry in the contract – for the manufacturing, servicing and subsequent upgrades.
A key role in this field will be played by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (Polish Armaments Group), who will be responsible for the coordination of industrial cooperation at the national level, also including companies that are not PGZ members.
The defence ministry rejected competing offers from the Israeli government (for DAVID's SLING) and from the MEADS consortium led by Lockheed Martin. The winning bidder is to be announced bythe end of the year.