Poland is still deciding about new anti-aircraft and naval missiles

Published: 3/31/2000

The decision about a new missile for the Loara anti-aircraft system is still to be taken by the Ministry of Defence in Warsaw. Competition for the delivery of anti-aircraft SAM missiles with a range of 15 km capable of destroying low-flying aircraft and cruise missiles was between South African Kentron SAHV-3, Swedish Rbs-23 BAMSE, French Thomson –CSF VT-1 and Israeli Rafael Barak, although the last two companies have been dropped. Performance under recent testing conditions appear to favour the South African missile. The Loara system is to be built in two different forms armed with missiles or with 35 mm guns, favoured over the Oerlikon KMD guns. Earlier reports about the inclusion of a Polish missle, Grom in the Loara package appear to have disappeared suggesting that the Grom may have gone the way of the Huzar attack helicopter programme, which was cancelled last year. More certain is the purchase of naval missiles Bofors Rbs-15 for installation on three 660 class vessels, introduced into service in the early 1990s. Lack of financing was blamed for the delay in investment in any naval missiles to date. Unofficial reports suggest that the contract for the missiles and associated equipment, including radar, will be signed this month. The entire contract will cover eight missiles and two radars and associated equipment for each of the three ships. Bofors will be responsible for the delivery of the first set of weaponry for one ship to be modernised this year, while Ericsson will be responsible for supplying radars, the surveillance Sea Giraffe LW and aiming and fire control CEROS 200. Competition for the orders came from the USA. The first firing trials are expected to take place later this year. Associated articles; www.concise.org 30th January 1999: Poles review Huzar and Grom

Article ID: 1630