KUSZA Mobile Anti-Aircraft System: Versatile Response to Proliferation of Drones on Battlefield at MSPO 2024.

Presented at MSPO 2024, the KUSZA anti-aircraft system stands out as a solution to the rapidly evolving aerial threats. Developed to provide highly adaptable and maneuverable air defense, this system is designed to meet the demands of increasingly complex combat environments. Thanks to its modularity and ability to integrate with various types of vehicles, KUSZA redefines the standards for mobile air defense, offering armed forces a rapid and effective response to current aerial threats.
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The Kusza Mobile Anti-Aicraft System at MSPO 2024 (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

In a context where recent conflicts, such as the one in Ukraine, have underscored the crucial importance of defending against drones and other aerial threats, KUSZA distinguishes itself with its ability to provide adaptable and highly maneuverable air defense. Equipped with "fire and forget" GROM MANPADS missiles, this system allows the operator to lock onto a target and fire without needing to guide the missile post-launch, reducing risks and improving combat efficiency.

What makes KUSZA particularly interesting is its modularity and flexibility of use. Initially based on the Polaris Ranger 6x6 vehicle, it can be mounted on various all-terrain vehicles like the Toyota Hilux or even on a stationary platform. This adaptability makes it ideal for a variety of operational scenarios, from rapid defense in rugged terrains to fixed installations for long-term defense.

KUSZA not only targets fighter jets and helicopters, but it is also designed to destroy drones (UAVs) and cruise missiles—a domain in which it particularly excels, as demonstrated by the performance of similar Polish systems on the ground in Ukraine. Additionally, with its integrated management, observation, and targeting system, coupled with thermal and daylight cameras, KUSZA can operate in all weather conditions, day or night, making it a valuable asset for armed forces.

This system has also demonstrated its rapid deployment capabilities. Able to transition from transport to combat position in less than 20 seconds, it has a threat response time of only 5 seconds, ensuring immediate and effective air defense.

As aerial threats continue to evolve, KUSZA positions itself as an indispensable solution for forces seeking to modernize their defense. By combining mobility, responsiveness, and adaptability, it redefines the standards of modern air defense. For experts and armed forces, KUSZA could well become the new reference standard for mobile protection against aerial threats.

Recently, a Russian drone flew over Polish territory for more than 30 minutes, raising serious concerns about air security in the region. Another incident occurred on August 26, when an unidentified flying object, likely a Shahed-type kamikaze drone, penetrated Polish airspace before disappearing. This incident adds to other violations, notably in March when a Russian missile remained in Polish airspace for 39 seconds, and the tragic November 2022 incident where a missile killed two civilians in Poland. Although this last missile was determined to be a Ukrainian anti-aircraft rocket, these events highlight the growing risks to national security.

In this context, the KUSZA anti-aircraft system, presented at MSPO 2024, becomes crucially important. KUSZA is one of the systems within the Polish military that can play a key role in strengthening Poland’s air defense. Its ability to react in seconds and be rapidly deployed on different platforms makes it a strategic asset for preventing and countering potential aerial incursions.