During MSPO 2022 in Kielce, Poland, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) announced that the group, jointly with PIT-Radwar, Jelcz, WZU and MBDA (as a foreign partner) has made “significant progress” in the production ofcomponents for its future short-range air defence (SHORAD) system, known as “Mała Narew” (Little Narew). This systemis based on the Enhanced Modular Air Defence Solutions(EMADS) system developed by MBDA, with various modifications specific to Poland.
PGZ stated that the first two iLauncher transporter erector launchers (TELs) are now being integrated and tested ahead of their delivery to the Polish Armed Forces. The main goal of this project is the “quick delivery of two SHORAD-class ‘fire units’ equipped with CAMM missiles, integrated with the SOŁA radar station and the Polish C2 system”. A ‘fire unit’ in this instance refers to a sub-battery formation, consisting of three TELs, three transloader vehicles, and a radar. The C2 is conducted at the battery level, with a battery command post providing C2 functions for the battery’s two fire units.
This rapid effort has meant that the integration of radars, C2 systems and CAMM’s fire control software is proceeding alongside the physical integration of the iLauncher’s systems with the JELCZ truck chassis. The first training courses for iLauncher operators have already been carried out. Deliveries of the first fire unit is expected later this year, while delivery of the second is slated for 2023.
In April 2022, Poland’s Ministry of National Defence authorised their Armament Agency to request the delivery of two fire units from the PGZ-Narew consortium. The decision to speed up the whole process was a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In total, the Narew programme is expected to provide Poland with 23 batteries (46 fire units), with contracts expected to be signed in 2023
