Developed by scientists from the Electronics Department of the Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, the P-18PL long-range radars will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces. The contract in this matter, worth more than PLN 3.1 billion, will be implemented until 2035.

‘This is a milestone in the development of Polish air defence,’ stresses WAT.

The Armament Agency has ordered 24 P-18PL long-range radars. The project to develop a radar prototype was completed in December 2022 with a positive result of qualification tests. It was carried out by a consortium consisting of PIT-RADWAR S.A. (leader) and WAT. The project manager on the part of WAT was Prof. Eng. Adam Kawalec.

The conclusion of the contract for the supply of 24 P-18PL radars opens new prospects for the Polish Armed Forces, introducing modern tools into the arsenal that allow for the effective observation, identification and combating of threats over long distances. “At the same time, it proves the ability of Polish technical thought to create innovative solutions in the field of radiolocation, which is in line with global trends in the development of defence technologies”, said Dr Eng. Bronisław Wajszczyk, Head of the Department of Radioelectronic Systems at the Institute of Radioelectronics of the Faculty of Electronics of the WAT, responsible for the radar’s software.

The P-18 PL Preliminary Target Indicating Radar, operating in the metre band, with phase scanning in two planes for Air Defence Missile Sets (ZROP), can co-operate with the command systems of the Air Force and Air and Missile Defence. Ultimately, this radar will be integrated into the Integrated Command System for Air and Missile Defence (IBCS), supporting both the Narew short-range air defence sets and the medium-range sets under the Vistula programme.

Adrian Andrzejewski