Poland conducts first firing with Patriot/IBCS air and missile defense system

Описание: On 16 September, the Polish Armed Forces carried out the first live-fire exercise of the Patriot air and missile defence system acquired under the Wisła programme. The training took place at the Central Air Force Training Ground in Ustka during Iron Defender, the largest exercise of the Polish Armed Forces this year.

The first phase of the programme was finalised in March 2018 under a 16.6 billion złoty ($4.65 billion) contract. This covered two Patriot MIM-104F PAC-3+ batteries with M903A2 launchers, AN/MPQ-65 radars, PAC-3 MSE missiles, communications, vehicles, and training and sustainment packages.

The second phase of Wisła, finalised in September 2023, is worth 47.6 billion złoty ($13.33 billion) and will add six more batteries, including LTAMDS radars, 48 launchers, and 644 PAC-3 MSE missiles. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2029, with Huta Stalowa Wola contracted to build 48 launchers from 2027 to 2029.