Pilica+ programme (very-short- and short-range air defence, VSHORAD)

The Pilica+ programme builds the lowest layer of Poland's emerging air defence system – very-short- and short-range air defence – for the Polish Armed Forces. It is delivered by the PGZ-PILICA+ Consortium, led by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. and comprising nine companies, including Zakłady Mechaniczne "Tarnów" (technical integrator), PIT-RADWAR, PCO, JELCZ, MESKO, the R&D Marine Technology Centre (OBR CTM), Military Electronics Works and Military Armaments Works. The contract with the Armaments Agency (Agencja Uzbrojenia) covers 22 Pilica+ rocket-and-artillery systems (21 combat and one training): 16 new PSR-A Pilica systems plus the upgrade of six previously ordered systems to the Pilica+ standard. The contract for the 16 new batteries and the modernisation of six was valued at 2.98 billion PLN gross, with execution scheduled for 2025-2029. Each system combines 23 mm cannons and Piorun anti-aircraft missiles, and the Pilica+ variant adds iLauncher launchers with CAMM missiles, an automated command system and mobile Bystra radar stations. The first serial system, fully matching the target configuration, was handed over on 21 November 2025 to the 34th Air Defence Missile Squadron in Bytom, with systematic deliveries to continue through 2029. As a subsequent capability, the system is also intended to counter unmanned aerial vehicles.