The handover ceremony took place at the 34th Air Defence Missile Squadron in Bytom, Upper Silesia, with Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighting the strategic importance of modern air defence amid Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Pilica system is the first of sixteen units to be supplied to the Polish Armed Forces under an agreement between the Armament Agency and the PGZ Pilica+ consortium.
"Poland is building a multi-layered air defence," Kosiniak-Kamysz said, adding that this approach includes systems of varying ranges – from short-range Pilica and Pilica+ units to medium-range Narew systems and long-range Patriot missiles under the Wisła programme.
"Across all these layers, we are developing an integrated air defence," he emphasised.
The Pilica+ system, an upgraded version of the PSR-A Pilica, is designed to protect troops and critical infrastructure from aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and manoeuvring missiles.
It combines 23mm anti-aircraft guns with Piorun missiles and is planned to be equipped with British CAMM missiles in the future.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also confirmed that the ministry is working on a major counter-drone programme, describing it as "one of the largest and most innovative in Europe" and a potential model for other countries.
The Russian invasion has highlighted the urgent need to reinforce Poland’s defences, as Moscow continues to launch hundreds of drones and missiles at Ukraine nearly every day, the defence minister added.
"The need for highly trained personnel and effective equipment is made evident every night as the conflict in Ukraine continues," Kosiniak-Kamysz noted.
"Air defence and counter-drone capabilities are being maintained at the highest readiness level," he said.
The delivery of the Pilica system mark another step in Warsaw’s broader military modernisation strategy, aimed at strengthening national security in the face of evolving aerial threats from Russia.
(ał)
Source: IAR, PAP