Poland’s military entered its third year of an ambitious technical modernisation, while Warsaw struggles with delays and setbacks.
In 2014, a record amount of PLN8 billion was spent (26% of the defence budget) for technical modernisation. The list of major accomplishments includes 12 M-346 trainers, JASSM standoff cruise missiles, and NSM missiles. This year, Poland selected new medium-range air defence systems and new multirole helicopters. According to the MoND, in 2015, Warsaw should pick the winners of several tenders, including those of GRYF and ZEFIR UAVs, POPRAD and PILICA air-defence systems, HOMAR rocket artillery, RAK howitzers, and for the modernisation of LEOPARD 2A4 tanks. This year, Poland expects a delivery of the remaining 2A5 tanks as well as W3PL/W3 helicopters upgraded to SAR configuration. However, despite these successes and ambitious plans Poland still struggles with indecisiveness and delays. Although from 2016 Poland will spend 2% of its GDP on defence, further lags are expected – in late 2015 Poland will hold a parliamentary election which is likely to be won by the opposition. Therefore, no major decisions are expected until at least early 2016.
Poland has not only ordered additional ROSOMAK wheeled vehicles (307 in 2014-2019) but is also developing new variants, such as technical reconnaissance ROSOMAK-WRT (deliveries planned between 2016-2018) or engineering ROSOMAK-WPT (deliveries planned in 2018). 122 ROSOMAKs are to be equipped with a remotely-controlled ZSSW-30 turret, a 30mm Orbital-ATK Mk44 BUSHMASTER II gun, and two Rafael SPIKE-LR ATGMs (prototype to be ready in 2015, deliveries from 2016). Another important version is the M120K RAK 12 mm automatic breech loading mortar (96 units in eight divisions). A wheeled version is planned to be delivered by the end of 2018.
Poland has already initiated a programme to replace its ageing BRDM-2 scout cars (approximately 240 in service), known as the LOTR (light armoured reconnaissance transporter). The new vehicle should be amphibious in either an 4x4 or 6x6 configuration. It is likely that it will be an indigenous product. One potential contender is AMZ Kutno with its BOBR (Beaver). In May 2015, PGZ signed an agreement with Germany’s Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) regarding a joint development of an amphibious wheeled 6x6 vehicle.
Another project will bring a replacement for BMP-1s infantry vehicles and T-72M1 and PT-91 tanks (currently in seven battalions). At present, Poland runs two projects for next-generation vehicles, based on a universal, modular tracked platform (UMPG). The first one, for a heavy variant, is codenamed GEPARD (Cheetah) and will result in a direct support vehicle with a 120mm gun. It is believed that an order could be for 400 units. A first prototype should be ready in April 2016. BORSUK (Badger) is a light UMPG variant and is intended as the BMP-1 replacement. The prototype should be ready in late 2017. It will be armed with either a 30mm or 40mm gun and SPIKE-LR ATGMs in the ZSSW-30 remotely-controlled turret. 800 BORSUKs in AIFV variants are to be ordered along with 800 specialised vehicles.
Another currently developed artillery system is the KRYL wheeled SPH with a firing range of up to 40 kilometres. Poland wants to equip seven artillery squadrons by 2025 (168 units). The first KRYLs will be delivered in 2017. The third newcomer is the WR-300 HOMAR (LOBSTER) wheeled MRL with either US ATACMS or Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) LORA missiles. A contract with HSW is to be signed in late 2015. Deliveries of 20 are planned between 2018-2022.
Poland will choose a new combat helicopter (30-32), which will replace the currently used 29 Mi-24D/W HINDs under the codename KRUK (Raven). Contesters are the Bell AH-1Z VIPER, Boeing AH-64E GUARDIAN, Airbus Helicopter EC-665 TIGER, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ATAK. Deliveries should start in 2019, which is one year earlier than was planned (however, if possible, deliveries could start 2017-2018). At the same time, Poland will receive its new multirole helicopter, for which Airbus Helicopter’s H225M (EC725 CARACAL) was preselected. Initially, Poland was seeking 70 helicopters, but after a recommendation by the General Staff a decision was made to reduce the number to 50 units (eight ASWs, 21 CSARs, five CSAR-MEDEVACs, and 16 utility) in order to move some funds to the KRUK programme. The H225M was positively tested throughout May with the final contract expected to be signed with Airbus in late 2015. The scale of involvement of the Polish defence industry in this project is yet not known.
Another programme is the ZEFIR (four sets of MALE class, each with three vehicles, also armed), where Poland is likely to choose between the General Atomics MQ-9 REAPER, Elbit Systems HERMES 900, and Thales WATCHKEEPER. A final decision is expected in late 2015 while deliveries are planned from 2019 on. GRYF will be a tactical UAV of a medium range (12 sets, four vehicles in each), and Poland plans to procure these from either the US or Israel under inter-governmental agreement. Negotiations are planned to be ended in late 2015 while deliveries are planned to begin in 2017.
Poland also wants to build two military satellites with the feasibility analysis being already done. In the first phase an international consortium will be established, and Poland plans that the first satellite will be launched in eight years. In the interim period Poland will use data from the Italian military’s COSMO-SkyMed Seconda Generazione (CSG) satellite system (agreement signed in March 2014).
The second layer of the new Polish air defence system will be composed of 6-11 short-range NAREW batteries intended as a replacement for S-125 NEWA-SC and 2K12 KUB systems. A tender is planned to be announced in 2016. Poland wants the NAREW system to be based mainly on indigenous technologies. Additionally, by 2021, Poland wants to purchase 79 units of PIT-Radwar’s POPRAD Self-Propelled Very-Short Range Anti-Aircraft System (VSHORAD) on AMZ-Kutno’s ZUBR-P 4x4 wheeled vehicles. In December 2014, the two first POPRAD prototypes successfully passed field tests.
The first layer will be based on man-portable air defence systems, such as GROM (Thunder) and later PIORUN (Lightning), which is a newer version of GROM. Between 2013 and 2014, the Polish Army received 200 GROM missiles. Air defence capabilities will be reinforced by indigenous radars from PIT Radwar: SOLA PESA (short-range), BYSTRA AESA, P-18L AESA (long-range), and PLC/PET radars for WISLA and NEREW systems.
In June 2015, the AI started the procurement of two small VIP transport aircraft with training and logistics packages. The required plane should be of business class and able to accommodate 12-14 passengers. Poland is willing to acquire used aircraft, but they should not be older than 2006 with 3,500 hours of flight and an expected range of 5,000 kilometres. The main selection criterion is price (50%). The selection of a winner is planned for late 2015, and the aircraft are planned to be delivered by late June 2016.
Poland is continuing a procurement of two new classes of surface vessels for both MCM and coastal patrol operations: Three vessels of the CZAPLA (Heron) -class, and three of the MIECZNIK (Swordfish) -class. Poland wants to receive the MIECZNIK-class vessels 2017-2019, although this is highly unlikely. The CZAPLA, which will be based on the MIECZNIK hull design, be delivered 2020-2022. All work will be coordinated by PGZ. Vessels will be built in local shipyards, which have so far not been chosen. Negotiations with PGZ, who will select a foreign partner, are to be concluded in early 2016.
Another pending project is the GAWRON (Rook) patrol vessel (previously corvette). Its hull is now ready and its engine has already been installed. All works are to be accomplished by March 2016. Sea trials are planned to be carried out in mid-2016, and it is planned to be commissioned by November 2016. However, due to the financial problems of the Navy’s Shipyard, on-time deliveries might not be possible.
The most ambitious naval project is the ORKA. Poland wants to acquire three new-generation submarines that will replace KOBBEN-class submarines. Three competitors are involved: TKMS with Type 212A and 214A, DCNS with SCORPENE class, and Saab Kockums with A26. The tender is planned to open in late 2015 and a contract signed 2016-2017. Deliveries of the first two units are planned by 2022 and of a third submarine in 2023-2030. However, due to parliamentary elections in late 2015, which are likely to be won by the opposition, delays are expected. The situation is even more complex due to the fact that Poland wants to integrate new submarines with cruise missiles. Poland has so far initiated talks with the US (UGM-109 for Type 212A/214A and A26) and France (MdCN for SCORPENE). This tender will be carried out independently from the ORKA project. In case of the ORKA tender a foreign company will act as a technology integrator, but with significant participation from Polish industry too.
Two other modernisation projects are the RATOWNIK (Rescuer) programme and further modernisation of ORKAN-class corvettes (Project 660). Regarding RATOWNIK, by 2030, two new vessels are planned as a replacement for PIAST-class (Project 570M) rescue ships. Regarding ORKAN-class (three in service), Poland wants to upgrade them with a new drive system, electronic support measures and passive counter-measures. In recent years those vessels were equipped with Thales TACTICOS and Saab’s RBS 15 Mk 3 missiles integrated Sea GIRAFFE. The first RBS 15s were officially accepted in December 2014. The ORKAN-class are planned to remain in service until 2022.
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| In December 2013, Poland acquired additional LEOPARD tanks (105 2A5, 14 2A4) to reinforce the current fleet of 128 2A4s. (Photos via author) |
In 2014, a record amount of PLN8 billion was spent (26% of the defence budget) for technical modernisation. The list of major accomplishments includes 12 M-346 trainers, JASSM standoff cruise missiles, and NSM missiles. This year, Poland selected new medium-range air defence systems and new multirole helicopters. According to the MoND, in 2015, Warsaw should pick the winners of several tenders, including those of GRYF and ZEFIR UAVs, POPRAD and PILICA air-defence systems, HOMAR rocket artillery, RAK howitzers, and for the modernisation of LEOPARD 2A4 tanks. This year, Poland expects a delivery of the remaining 2A5 tanks as well as W3PL/W3 helicopters upgraded to SAR configuration. However, despite these successes and ambitious plans Poland still struggles with indecisiveness and delays. Although from 2016 Poland will spend 2% of its GDP on defence, further lags are expected – in late 2015 Poland will hold a parliamentary election which is likely to be won by the opposition. Therefore, no major decisions are expected until at least early 2016.
Land Forces
In December 2013, Poland acquired additional LEOPARD tanks (105 2A5, 14 2A4) to reinforce the current fleet of 128 2A4s. Poland plans to modernise its 2A4s to a new standard known as LEOPARD 2PL. However, this project has faced several setbacks. The latest occurred in February 2015 when a joint offer by PHO, OBRUM, and Bumar-Labedy was rejected. Later the Armament Inspectorate (AI) jointly invited PGZ and Bumar-Labedy to negotiations. It is planned that a contract should be signed in late 2015, which is two years after the initial plan. Upgraded tanks should be delivered from 2017 and the 2A5s will not be modernised within the next 15 years.Poland has not only ordered additional ROSOMAK wheeled vehicles (307 in 2014-2019) but is also developing new variants, such as technical reconnaissance ROSOMAK-WRT (deliveries planned between 2016-2018) or engineering ROSOMAK-WPT (deliveries planned in 2018). 122 ROSOMAKs are to be equipped with a remotely-controlled ZSSW-30 turret, a 30mm Orbital-ATK Mk44 BUSHMASTER II gun, and two Rafael SPIKE-LR ATGMs (prototype to be ready in 2015, deliveries from 2016). Another important version is the M120K RAK 12 mm automatic breech loading mortar (96 units in eight divisions). A wheeled version is planned to be delivered by the end of 2018.
Poland has already initiated a programme to replace its ageing BRDM-2 scout cars (approximately 240 in service), known as the LOTR (light armoured reconnaissance transporter). The new vehicle should be amphibious in either an 4x4 or 6x6 configuration. It is likely that it will be an indigenous product. One potential contender is AMZ Kutno with its BOBR (Beaver). In May 2015, PGZ signed an agreement with Germany’s Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) regarding a joint development of an amphibious wheeled 6x6 vehicle.
Another project will bring a replacement for BMP-1s infantry vehicles and T-72M1 and PT-91 tanks (currently in seven battalions). At present, Poland runs two projects for next-generation vehicles, based on a universal, modular tracked platform (UMPG). The first one, for a heavy variant, is codenamed GEPARD (Cheetah) and will result in a direct support vehicle with a 120mm gun. It is believed that an order could be for 400 units. A first prototype should be ready in April 2016. BORSUK (Badger) is a light UMPG variant and is intended as the BMP-1 replacement. The prototype should be ready in late 2017. It will be armed with either a 30mm or 40mm gun and SPIKE-LR ATGMs in the ZSSW-30 remotely-controlled turret. 800 BORSUKs in AIFV variants are to be ordered along with 800 specialised vehicles.
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| All modernisations, conversions and serious repairs of Polish BRDM-2s are done by WZM. Modernised BRDM-2 armoured scout cars will serve with the Polish Army for a few years more. Poland has already initiated a programme to replace its BRDM-2 with the LOTR (light armoured reconnaissance transporter). |
Artillery
The Polish Army should be soon reinforced with new artillery capabilities. The major project is the KRAB SPH. Poland aims to purchase 120 howitzers to form five REGINA divisions with guided SZCZERBIEC munition between 2017-2025. They will be based on Samsung Techwin’s chassis, ordered in December 2014 by HSW. By 2022, Poland will receive 36 K9 hulls from South Korea, while the remaining 84 will be produced in Poland under license.Another currently developed artillery system is the KRYL wheeled SPH with a firing range of up to 40 kilometres. Poland wants to equip seven artillery squadrons by 2025 (168 units). The first KRYLs will be delivered in 2017. The third newcomer is the WR-300 HOMAR (LOBSTER) wheeled MRL with either US ATACMS or Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) LORA missiles. A contract with HSW is to be signed in late 2015. Deliveries of 20 are planned between 2018-2022.
Air Mobility
Poland is also carrying out modernisation of its rotary wing fleet. This is one of the most important operational needs, as the MoND wants to withdraw 200 helicopters in total. 2019 will be a critical year as a high number of helicopters will reach the end of their service life and will have to be retired. This applies to assault Mi-24s, naval SH-2Gs, and Mi-14PSs. By 2019, only half of the current number of Mi-14PLs will be operational. Two years later the Mi-8s will need to be withdrawn, while in 2031 the remaining Mi-17s and around 2040 the W-3 helicopters, currently the most common in Polish service, will have to be retired.Poland will choose a new combat helicopter (30-32), which will replace the currently used 29 Mi-24D/W HINDs under the codename KRUK (Raven). Contesters are the Bell AH-1Z VIPER, Boeing AH-64E GUARDIAN, Airbus Helicopter EC-665 TIGER, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ATAK. Deliveries should start in 2019, which is one year earlier than was planned (however, if possible, deliveries could start 2017-2018). At the same time, Poland will receive its new multirole helicopter, for which Airbus Helicopter’s H225M (EC725 CARACAL) was preselected. Initially, Poland was seeking 70 helicopters, but after a recommendation by the General Staff a decision was made to reduce the number to 50 units (eight ASWs, 21 CSARs, five CSAR-MEDEVACs, and 16 utility) in order to move some funds to the KRUK programme. The H225M was positively tested throughout May with the final contract expected to be signed with Airbus in late 2015. The scale of involvement of the Polish defence industry in this project is yet not known.
ISR Capabilities
In January 2015, Poland announced the beginning of a search for suppliers of 27 UAVs with maintenance and training packages: 12 ORLIK tactical sets (each with 3-5 UAVs) at brigade level, and 15 sets of WIZJER Mini-UAV (4-5 vehicles in each set) at battalion level. While ORLIK is planned to be delivered 2018-2019 (with an additional batch 2022-2026; up to 15 sets altogether), WIZJER is planned for delivery by 2017 (up to 40 sets in total).Another programme is the ZEFIR (four sets of MALE class, each with three vehicles, also armed), where Poland is likely to choose between the General Atomics MQ-9 REAPER, Elbit Systems HERMES 900, and Thales WATCHKEEPER. A final decision is expected in late 2015 while deliveries are planned from 2019 on. GRYF will be a tactical UAV of a medium range (12 sets, four vehicles in each), and Poland plans to procure these from either the US or Israel under inter-governmental agreement. Negotiations are planned to be ended in late 2015 while deliveries are planned to begin in 2017.
Poland also wants to build two military satellites with the feasibility analysis being already done. In the first phase an international consortium will be established, and Poland plans that the first satellite will be launched in eight years. In the interim period Poland will use data from the Italian military’s COSMO-SkyMed Seconda Generazione (CSG) satellite system (agreement signed in March 2014).
Poland’s Modernisation Records (2014-2015)
Accomplishments
- Ordering 40 AGM-158 missiles
- Ordering a second coastal battalion with NSM missiles
- Initiation of WIZJER/ORLIK procurement
- Signing a deal for AJT trainers
- Signing a deal for TYTAN individual combat system
- Ordering 50 H225 helicopters
- Ordering PATRIOT air-defence
- Continuation of KORMORAN-class project
- Establishment of a production line of Jelcz trucks
- Finalisation of prototypes of KRYL, BYSTRA, and ZSSW-30
- Introduction of LEOPARD 2A5 tanks
Setbacks
- Delays in WISLA project
- Delays in ZEFIR/GRYF projects
- Delays and ambiguity in ORKA project
- Ambiguity in MIECZNIK/CZAPLA project
- Delays in multirole helicopters project
- Reducing the number of ordered helicopters from 70 to 50
- Failure to initiate LEOPARD 2PL modernisation
- Failure to deliver KRAB chassis
- Lack of rapid replacement of BMP-1s
Air Defence
In 2015, Poland selected Raytheon’s PATRIOT system for the WISLA medium range air defence project within FMS. Poland will acquire two batteries in interim configuration by 2018-2019. The first two batteries in end configuration with 360° radar and network-centric C2 are to be delivered by 2022. Desired parameters remain unknown. Many elements still need to be developed and tested. It is known, however, that Poland wants to modernise all eight batteries, including two in interim configuration from the first batch, by 2025. A contract for the delivery of all eight batteries is planned to be signed in late 2016.The second layer of the new Polish air defence system will be composed of 6-11 short-range NAREW batteries intended as a replacement for S-125 NEWA-SC and 2K12 KUB systems. A tender is planned to be announced in 2016. Poland wants the NAREW system to be based mainly on indigenous technologies. Additionally, by 2021, Poland wants to purchase 79 units of PIT-Radwar’s POPRAD Self-Propelled Very-Short Range Anti-Aircraft System (VSHORAD) on AMZ-Kutno’s ZUBR-P 4x4 wheeled vehicles. In December 2014, the two first POPRAD prototypes successfully passed field tests.
The first layer will be based on man-portable air defence systems, such as GROM (Thunder) and later PIORUN (Lightning), which is a newer version of GROM. Between 2013 and 2014, the Polish Army received 200 GROM missiles. Air defence capabilities will be reinforced by indigenous radars from PIT Radwar: SOLA PESA (short-range), BYSTRA AESA, P-18L AESA (long-range), and PLC/PET radars for WISLA and NEREW systems.
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| Poland wants to purchase PIT-Radwar POPRAD Self-Propelled Very-Short Range Anti-Aircraft Systems (VSHORAD). |
Aviation
In December 2014, Poland ordered AGM-158A JASSM missiles, with deliveries planned for 2016. They will last for three years and will require modernisation of Polish F-16 C/Ds (already ordered). No additional procurements of F-16s are currently planned, although the MoND still wants to acquire 64 fifth-generation jets. Currently Poland is reconsidering operational requirements and desired aircraft parameters. Results will be included in a technical modernisation plan for 2017-2026. This project does not have a priority status and thus delays are likely.In June 2015, the AI started the procurement of two small VIP transport aircraft with training and logistics packages. The required plane should be of business class and able to accommodate 12-14 passengers. Poland is willing to acquire used aircraft, but they should not be older than 2006 with 3,500 hours of flight and an expected range of 5,000 kilometres. The main selection criterion is price (50%). The selection of a winner is planned for late 2015, and the aircraft are planned to be delivered by late June 2016.
The Polish Navy
By the end of last year 14 of 34 hull sections of the first magnetic steel-hulled Project 258 KORMORAN II Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessel were ready. The final merging of sections is planned for late 2015. Construction of the next two units is planned to start in 2016, while deliveries are planned for 2019 and 2022.Poland is continuing a procurement of two new classes of surface vessels for both MCM and coastal patrol operations: Three vessels of the CZAPLA (Heron) -class, and three of the MIECZNIK (Swordfish) -class. Poland wants to receive the MIECZNIK-class vessels 2017-2019, although this is highly unlikely. The CZAPLA, which will be based on the MIECZNIK hull design, be delivered 2020-2022. All work will be coordinated by PGZ. Vessels will be built in local shipyards, which have so far not been chosen. Negotiations with PGZ, who will select a foreign partner, are to be concluded in early 2016.
Another pending project is the GAWRON (Rook) patrol vessel (previously corvette). Its hull is now ready and its engine has already been installed. All works are to be accomplished by March 2016. Sea trials are planned to be carried out in mid-2016, and it is planned to be commissioned by November 2016. However, due to the financial problems of the Navy’s Shipyard, on-time deliveries might not be possible.
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| Poland’s ORKAN-class corvettes are to be modernised and planned to remain in service until 2022. |
The most ambitious naval project is the ORKA. Poland wants to acquire three new-generation submarines that will replace KOBBEN-class submarines. Three competitors are involved: TKMS with Type 212A and 214A, DCNS with SCORPENE class, and Saab Kockums with A26. The tender is planned to open in late 2015 and a contract signed 2016-2017. Deliveries of the first two units are planned by 2022 and of a third submarine in 2023-2030. However, due to parliamentary elections in late 2015, which are likely to be won by the opposition, delays are expected. The situation is even more complex due to the fact that Poland wants to integrate new submarines with cruise missiles. Poland has so far initiated talks with the US (UGM-109 for Type 212A/214A and A26) and France (MdCN for SCORPENE). This tender will be carried out independently from the ORKA project. In case of the ORKA tender a foreign company will act as a technology integrator, but with significant participation from Polish industry too.
Two other modernisation projects are the RATOWNIK (Rescuer) programme and further modernisation of ORKAN-class corvettes (Project 660). Regarding RATOWNIK, by 2030, two new vessels are planned as a replacement for PIAST-class (Project 570M) rescue ships. Regarding ORKAN-class (three in service), Poland wants to upgrade them with a new drive system, electronic support measures and passive counter-measures. In recent years those vessels were equipped with Thales TACTICOS and Saab’s RBS 15 Mk 3 missiles integrated Sea GIRAFFE. The first RBS 15s were officially accepted in December 2014. The ORKAN-class are planned to remain in service until 2022.
Robert Czulda, PhD, is a regular contributor to MT.