Poland Purchases Radars from Israel. How Much Will The Defense Industry Gain?
Photo. Maciej Szopa/Defence24
Poland has purchased maritime radars that will complete the system protecting its coastline, significantly enhancing security from the north. The project involves, among others, private Polish defence industry companies.
On July 9, 2025, at the headquarters of the Armament Agency, a contract was signed for the purchase of 18 3D radars for low flying target detection: Elta ELM 2238 Star X. The new systems will cost a total of PLN 430 million (just over USD 100 million) and are to be delivered from the end of 2027, with all deliveries to be completed by 2023. They will enable detection of surface targets and those flying at altitudes from zero up to approximately 3 km. In this way, the target detection system (which until now has relied on older stationary NUR 23 radars and newer high altitude search radars, such as those mounted on Saab 340 AEW aircraft) will be rounded out.
As General Kuptel, Head of the Armament Agency, emphasized during the signing ceremony, the number of radars and their capabilities will allow for a fully sealed surveillance system of Poland’s entire coastline, detecting not only airplanes and helicopters but also more demanding targets such as various classes of drones or cruise missiles.
The Minister of Defence and Deputy Prime Minister, Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz, stated that this will be a means to counter threats from Russia, which employs “shadow fleet” vessels carrying out sabotage of maritime infrastructure. He also noted that the radars protecting the sea border will serve as a complement to the currently under construction Eastern Shield.
Between 40 % and 50 % of the contract’s value will remain with the Polish private defence industry. The Polish company Kenbit is responsible for supplying the software, including gateways for the system to communicate with Polish command and situational awareness systems (Air Force and Navy), integrating IFF systems, and providing simulation and training software, an IT system, and Polish made diodes. Dariusz Koenig, CEO of Kenbit, stressed that the contract is very important for his company and will lead to increased employment. He also said that the procurement procedure was conducted very smoothly and that, in his opinion, the negotiated delivery schedule is short.
On the Polish side, there will be expansion and modernization of the infrastructure used by the previous radars (approximately 50 % new infrastructure and 50 % upgraded). We learned that part of the infrastructure investments will be covered by the current tender, and part (just like the costs of military cryptography) will be additional expenses.
Representatives of the Armament Agency did not hide their opinion that the system being purchased is among the best in its class worldwide. Star X radars are used by the Israel Defense Forces and demonstrated 90 % effectiveness in the “most recent war,” during which Israel was attacked from multiple directions using various types and classes of aerial strike means.
Photo. Elta
The Star X radars were designed for installation on ships, including large offshore patrol vessels, but can also be deployed in shore based installations. Because of their intended onboard use, the units are lighter and more compact compared to other systems. Star X operates in the X band and can detect up to a thousand targets at ranges up to 150 km, including low observable targets. The radar uses gallium nitride (GaN) technology and active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna technology, making it a system with very high performance.
