Poland has signed a contract to produce 48 M903 launchers to bolster its national defence, marking a crucial phase in its air and missile defence programme, Wisła.
The Ministry of National Defense has signed a contract with Huta Stalowa Wola SA and Raytheon Polska to produce 48 M903 rocket launchers. This development is part of Phase II of the country’s Wisła air and missile defence programme, which aims to enhance Poland’s defensive capabilities in the face of escalating regional threats.
The deal was finalised at the 3rd Warsaw Missile Brigade in Sochaczew. It shows Poland’s commitment to strengthening its deterrence capabilities while fostering deeper integration with its national defence industry. As Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted during the signing ceremony, “There is no modernisation (of the Polish Armed Forces) without Polish industry.”
The M903 launchers are a component of the US-developed Patriot air and missile defence system, which Poland has been progressively integrating into its national defence infrastructure. The launchers are expected to be delivered between 2027 and 2029, adding to Poland’s existing inventory and enhancing its ability to respond to aerial threats.
As Ukraine continues to face escalating Russian aggression, international support has surged, particularly with the donation of Patriot air defence systems. Despite calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for 25 such systems, Western nations have provided seven batteries, including recent contributions from Germany, which delivered its third system in July. Romania also joined the effort, donating an entire Patriot system.
With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and growing concerns about security in Eastern Europe, Poland’s move to fortify its defences aligns with the broader Nato strategy of deterrence and collective defence.
The adoption of platforms widely used across Nato such as the Patriot MDS, allows Poland’s forces to be interoperable with Nato and US troops stationed in Poland, as highlighted by GlobalData’s “Poland Defense Market 2024-2029” report.
The Ministry of National Defence emphasised the importance of this collaboration between Polish and American defence companies, highlighting that it will also bring technological and economic benefits to the local industry. Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, echoed these sentiments, stating that this agreement is “another step in strengthening our defence”.
As Poland continues to invest in its military capabilities, it signals to both allies and potential adversaries that Poland is prepared to defend its sovereignty with technology, partnerships, and a national defence industry.
