Lockheed Martin and Poland Ink Deal for PAC-3 WISLA Phase II Air Defense Missile Program.

Warsaw, Poland, Aug. 25, 2023 – Lockheed Martin and the Polish Ministry of Defence have finalized an agreement that marks a significant milestone in Poland's defense modernization efforts. The agreement pertains to the PAC-3 WISLA Phase II program, a collaboration aimed at enhancing Poland's air and missile defense capabilities.
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A Patriot missile launcher unit was towed by a Polish Jelcz truck during a military parade in Warsaw. (Picture source Video footage Polish TV)

The PAC-3 WISLA Phase II program is a continuation of Poland's efforts to upgrade its defense systems, focusing on the integration of the PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3) missile system. This surface-to-air guided missile defense system is designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles.

The PAC-3 is a surface-to-air guided missile defense system designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. The system's MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) interceptor increases the missile's range and agility, allowing for more effective engagements.

Under the agreement, eight new projects will be initiated, including the expansion of hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, increasing capacity for launch tube production at WZL-1 (Deblin), aircraft maintenance at WZL-2 (Bydgoszcz), and support for solid rocket motor production by Mesko (Skarzysko-Kamienna). These projects will sustain high-value engineering jobs in Poland and infuse new technology, training, and technical support into the Polish defense industrial base.

Robert Orzylowski, director for Lockheed Martin Poland, Central and East Europe, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with the Polish industrial base and Ministry of Defence is providing real economic prosperity to local communities across Poland and delivering critical security assets to Polish armed forces. This work also boosts the critical skills needed to develop national industrial capability and expertise for the future.”

The PAC-3 WISLA Phase II program aligns with Poland's broader defense strategy and NATO commitments, strengthening Poland's regional security and interoperability with allied forces. Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 MSE interceptor will become a core element of Poland's future missile defense, and its precision munitions and training systems will provide vital capabilities to the Polish defense forces.

With over 20 years of partnership with Poland's national defense, industry, and economy, Lockheed Martin has invested $1.8 billion (USD) in the country, sustaining 6,700 high-value Polish jobs. This agreement underscores Lockheed Martin's commitment to Poland's defense sector and reflects the company's ongoing investment in the country's economic and security landscape.

Defense News August 2023