Mala NAREW is a modern, short-range air defence (SHORAD) system being developed as part of the NAREW ground-based air defence programme, for the armed forces of Poland.
The PGZ-NAREW consortium, a Polish defence consortium, is developing the system. It comprises the consortium leader Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), a state-owned armaments company and its affiliates Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), MESKO, PIT-Radwar, Wojskowe Zaklady Elektroniczne (WZE), Jelcz, Osrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej (OBR CTM), Wojskowe Zaklady Uzbrojenia (WZU), Zaklady Mechaniczne (ZM) Tarnow, PCO and Wojskowe Zaklady Lącznosci (WSL).
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The Mala NAREW system is designed to offer protection for both troops and facilities within the operational area. Additionally, it serves to enhance the low-altitude anti-aircraft capabilities of the WISLA medium-range missile systems, which are operational within the national and allied air defence network.
NAREW programme details
The NAREW programme is the biggest and most complex modernisation programme to be undertaken by the armed forces of Poland. It will strengthen Poland’s capability to combat advanced aerial threats including aircraft, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at low altitudes in all conditions throughout the day and at night.
The Republic of Poland is developing a three-tier air defence system containing a long-range WISLA, short-range NAREW and very short-range Pilica+ air defence system.
In September 2021, the PGZ-NAREW consortium signed a framework agreement with the Polish Armament Agency for the production and delivery of 23 batteries for the Mala NAREW SHORAD systems containing two fire units each, totalling 46 fire units, as part of the programme.
The NAREW programme not only ensures the provision of advanced military equipment for the Polish Armed Forces but also involves the procurement of technology and expertise, development of industrial capabilities, project administration and system integration within the Polish defence sector.
Mala NAREW SHORAD system details
The Mala NAREW fire unit comprises three iLauncher guided anti-aircraft missile launchers and two transport and loading vehicles mounted on the high-mobility 8×8 JELCZ P882.57 T21 TS DOW chassis, a deployable SOLA radar station and a ZENIT weapons control device.
The system can launch the Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMMs) family of modular missiles, which are intended for operations on land and sea.
A battery of NAREW systems comprises various components such as dedicated vehicles, control cabins for combat and operational purposes, mobile communication hubs, optoelectronic sensors, rockets, rocket launchers, transport and loading cars and training and logistical provisions.
Additionally, the systems comprise radars including the SAJNA multi-function fire control radar, P-18PL preliminary target detection radar and passive emitter tracking/passive coherent location radars, which are part of development projects co-funded by the National Centre for Research and Development.
CAMM missiles features
The next-generation CAMM missiles provide complete protection against diverse aerial threats. The 3.2m long missile has a diameter of 166mm and weighs 99kg. It can travel at a supersonic speed to strike the target at a range of more than 25km.
CAMM incorporates an active radiofrequency seeker, ensuring reliable operation in all weather conditions, while effectively filtering out clutter. Soft vertical launch technology allows firing at targets at 360o with minimum launch signature and high performance. It has a high firing rate against multiple simultaneous targets.
SOLA radar details
SOLA is a small, multi-mission three-dimensional radar designed for the detection and tracking of air targets.
It can function independently or serve as a sensor within land-based anti-aircraft defence systems, employing both wired and wireless data transmission capabilities. The radar can be operated either from either a nearby console or remotely, at a maximum distance of 400m.
Mala NAREW orders and deliveries
The first Mala NAREW fire unit was delivered in October 2022 and entered service with the 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment from Zamosc, a part of the Polish Armed Forces. The system performed combat and experimental rocket firing at the Air Force Central Training Ground in Ustka in June 2023, successfully neutralising three targets.
The second unit is expected to be included in the 15th Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Polish Army, later in 2023.
Further agreements were made in September 2023 between the Polish Armament Agency and the PGZ-NAREW consortium for the acquisition of Mala NAREW systems.
The agreements include the delivery of key elements of the system comprising more than 1,000 CAMM-extended range missiles and 138 launchers designed to interface with an integrated battlefield control system. The agreements stipulate the delivery of the NAREW batteries between 2027 and 2035.
Contractors involved
MBDA UK, a missile systems developer, signed an agreement with the PGZ-NAREW consortium to provide the components, including the CAMMs and iLauncher transporter erector launchers, for two Mala NAREW fire units in April 2022. The order was worth PLN1.65bn ($385.5m).
The Polish defence industry is delivering the radar station, transport and loading vehicles and the C2 communication and command system for the Mala NAREW systems, under the agreement.
PIT-RADWAR and WZU are responsible for the integration of components obtained from MBDA. Jelcz is providing the launcher carrier.
Several other PGZ companies will also participate in the programme as sub-suppliers.
