- We are drawing conclusions from the war that is taking place in Ukraine. We know the methods used by the Russians who attack Ukraine, we know how the Ukrainian army's resistance is built, and we have no doubts that anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense is an important element of security. That is why we started the process of cooperation with Great Britain, which allowed our soldiers to receive certificates allowing them to serve on the new equipment when the Polish Armed Forces obtains elements of the "Small NAREW" system. Today, we also signed an agreement regarding the development of the PILICA program

- emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the Polish defense ministry.

The Polish Armed Forces, at an accelerated pace, strengthen the capability to combat air threats, mainly maneuvering missiles. At the end of September the first short-range anti-aircraft missile systems - based on British-produced CAMM missiles - were provided to the Polish Armed Forces. Deliveries of effectors and iLauncher missiles mark the first stage of the executive contract for the acquisition of the first elements of the effector system under the "Small NAREW" project.

- The small NAREW set consists of Polish radars, Polish trucks, and British missiles. We can admit that it is modeled on the Sky Saber, the anti-aircraft and anti-missile system, which is present in our country thanks to the Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace’s decision. We use very good models and thus strengthen the resilience of Poland, but also of the entire NATO’s eastern flank

- noted Deputy Prime Minister.

The soldiers of the 18th Anti-Aircraft Regiment from Zamość will be the first users of the system. The delivery of the second system is planned for the first half of 2023. It will be destined for the squadron from Elbląg, which is part of the 15th Gołdap Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

During the meeting with Secretary Wallace, Deputy Prime Minister Błaszczak talked, among others, about the security situation in the region - in relation to the Russian aggression on Ukraine and strengthening military cooperation between Poland and Great Britain.

- I would like to take this opportunity to thank my friend Ben Wallace for his commitment to strengthening Polish-British relations. I emphasize that it was thanks to Ben Wallace's decision in the fall of last year that British troops aided the Polish Armed Forces on the Polish-Belarusian border. In addition to the Sky Saber set, which is already on Polish soil, there are also soldiers from the armed forces of the United Kingdom. I had the opportunity and pleasure to observe joint Polish-British-American exercises at the training ground in Nowa Dęba, where British soldiers equipped with Challenger tanks, together with Polish and American soldiers practiced. It showed how great the interoperability between our forces is, proving that the forces of NATO are highly operational and able to ensure security on the entire eastern flank

- said the head of the Polish Ministry of Defense.

- When Belarus decided to use human suffering against Poland, it was natural and obvious for us to help the Poles. I guarantee that we will continue to support Poland, ensuring, among other things, airport security. We have decided to extend the stationing of mid-range Sky Sabers, so that Poland could effectively implement its logistic goals for Ukraine and that it would be safe

- Secretary Wallace said during the meeting.

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NAREW (acquisition of short-range anti-aircraft missile batteries) is one of the priorities of the Technical Modernization Program of the Polish Armed Forces. The program provides for the extensive use of the Polish defense industry and technology transfer.

The main task of the "Mała Narew" system will be to provide cover to troops and facilities in the area of ​​operations, as well as to supplement the fire system of WISŁA medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems at low altitudes operating as part of the national and allied air defense system.

The "small NAREW" short-range anti-aircraft set includes mobile SOŁA radar, the ZENIT weapon control device, 3 iLauncher launchers on the JELCZ chassis, 2 transport and loading vehicles on the chassis of the same manufacturer, and CAMM effectors, providing the required by the Polish Armed Forces operational capabilities. Along with the "Small NAREW" anti-aircraft defense systems, a training and logistics package, as well as contractor's support in the operation of military equipment, were contracted.