Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense states that Poland draws conclusions from the conflict beyond its eastern border. It is very clear that Ukraine is defending itself bravely against Russia’s aggression, but it is defending so well because it is prepared to defend itself. “We can see how important in the defence process is the air and anti-aircraft defence. Hence, we have significantly accelerated the provision of elements of the Narew short-range air defence system to the Polish Army”, sais Błaszczak.
On Thursday, April 14, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense (MON), Minister Błaszczak approved the contract for the supply of short-range air defence elements under the Narew program. The parties to the contract include the State Treasury, represented by the Armaments Agency and the PGZ-Narew consortium.
They made a decision to acquire elements of the CAMM effector system and their further integration with Polish components in cooperation with the domestic and foreign defence industry.
The Ministry of National Defense informs the public that as a result of the contract, two short-range air defence fire units will be acquired, the first of which will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces in September this year. The second unit will be delivered at the turn of 2022 and 2023. Along with air defence systems, the contract provides for the acquisition of a training and logistics package and support for the contractor in the operation of military equipment.
“Polish Piorun, i.e. very short-range anti-aircraft weapons, work well in Ukraine. Patriots have their reputation established in the world. This year, the first Patriot sets will be received by the Polish Army. In September, the first fire unit of the Narew system will be used by the Polish army, and the second will appear at the turn of the year. We lacked this intermediate level and now we are providing it”, said the head of the Ministry of Defense.
Mariusz Błaszczak emphasized that the acceleration of deliveries is possible thanks to good cooperation with both the British partner and the domestic defence industry.
Adrian Andrzejewski