MBDA has added its name to the growing list of partners with Polish armaments group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ). The two firms signed a strategic partnership agreement on 2nd February, opening the way for future cooperation in the area of missiles and missile systems.
The agreement also provides for the transfer of modern missile technologies to companies within PGZ and the integration of these companies into MBDA’s global supply chain. The aim is to enhance mutual cooperation between PGZ and MBDA, as well as to develop the PGZ Group’s industrial know-how in missiles and missile systems. This applies to air defence as well as naval and air-launched missile systems.
The agreement provides a framework for future cooperation between PGZ and MBDA in connection with missile programmes included in the Polish Armed Forces’ Technical Modernization Plan, especially those related to the Narew short-range air defence system. MBDA is reportedly offering its VL MICA system for the Narew requirement.
If the Polish Ministry of National Defence selects any of the missile or missile system solutions offered by MBDA, the agreement stipulates that MBDA will carry out a significant and mutually agreed transfer of technology to companies within the PGZ Group. In this event, MBDA has also declared its intention to transfer know-how to Poland and to look at the possibility of including Polish defence industry companies within MBDA’s global supply chain.
Under the agreement, PGZ Group companies will have the opportunity of cooperating with MBDA on missiles and missile system elements such as launchers, command and control systems, data transmission systems, support vehicles, system integration, programme management, servicing and training.
Other contenders have an eye on Poland’s air defence needs, including Lockheed Martin, which signed a Letter of Intent with PGZ in September. The LoI builds on an agreement signed at Farnborough between PGZ and the U.S. firm’s Polish subsidiary, PZL Mielec. It includes involvement in the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS). MBDA Germany and MBDA Italy are both partners on MEADS.
Poland is also thought to be close to concluding a deal to buy Patriot missile defence systems from Raytheon. Kongsberg – Raytheon’s partner on the Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) programme – also signed a collaboration agreement with PGZ last May.