Polish Wisła Air Defence System Reaches Initial Operational Readiness

On Wednesday, the Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced that he had received a report confirming the initial readiness of the Wisła system and its integration with the IBCS (Integrated Battle Command System).

“This is a historic moment for the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. We are here today to announce a milestone in building our air defence system. Moments ago, I received a report confirming the initial readiness of the Wisła system elements and their integration with the IBCS. This took place here in Sochaczew, within the 3rd Air Defence Missile Brigade, the unit dedicated to achieving this readiness. Everyone should witness how well-trained and prepared our military is. No modern system will function without properly trained personnel, and we have such people in the Polish Armed Forces,” the minister said.

The initial operational readiness of the Sochaczew-based squadron, including its command system based on the IBCS, marks a significant step toward creating a robust and modern air defence system in Poland. This readiness enables the operation of two Patriot batteries equipped with PAC-3 MSE missiles for defending the country against potential aerial threats. These capabilities cover defence against manned aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Although Polish Patriot batteries are larger than their counterparts in allied armed forces, each can be split into two fire units with separate radars and command vehicles, the current number remains insufficient to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure comprehensively. This is partly because each battery includes a standard configuration of eight launchers, totaling 16 across two batteries.

The batteries achieving readiness today stem from Phase 1 of the Wisła program. Phase 2 has already been contracted, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2027. This phase will add six more batteries (12 fire sections with 48 launchers), bringing Poland’s total to eight „double” medium-range Patriot batteries integrated into the IBCS command system, equipped with 64 launchers.

Reaching IOR with the first two batteries significantly enhances Poland’s ability to respond to threats. These systems are among the few that can be classified as modern, alongside the domestically produced short-range Grom and Piorun MANPADS, Poprad and Pilica (missile-artillery systems), and the short-range Mała Narew system with CAMM missiles introduced between 2022 and 2023. However, the Wisła system offers superior detection and engagement capabilities in terms of altitude, range, and target variety.

In addition to the Wisła system, Poland plans to acquire 23 Narew short-range air defence batteries in the coming years to further enhance its multi-layered air defense system. A similar system, Pilica+, equipped with CAMM-ER missiles, will also be introduced.