The test used the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) command network and GEM-T interceptor, marking a milestone ahead of final certification and the planned achievement of full combat readiness by the end of 2025. The Wisła programme, launched in 2014, is Poland’s largest air defence modernisation effort and is designed to be fully interoperable with NATO systems.
Polskie wyrzutnie Patriot pierwsze bojowe strzelania mają za sobą. Zadebiutowały na poligonie w Ustce podczas federacji ćwiczeń #ŻelaznyObrońca.
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📽️#COMCAM @DowOperSZ pic.twitter.com/8dLAJD9mTm— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) September 16, 2025
The first phase of the programme was finalised in March 2018 under a 16.6 billion złoty ($4.65 billion) contract. This covered two Patriot MIM-104F PAC-3+ batteries with M903A2 launchers, AN/MPQ-65 radars, PAC-3 MSE missiles, communications, vehicles, and training and sustainment packages. Deliveries began in September 2022, and by March 2023 Poland had received 16 M903 launchers produced by PGZ.
Polskie wyrzutnie Patriot pierwsze bojowe strzelania mają za sobą. Zadebiutowały na poligonie w Ustce podczas federacji ćwiczeń #ŻelaznyObrońca.
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📽️#COMCAM @DowOperSZ pic.twitter.com/8dLAJD9mTm— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) September 16, 2025
The system reached Basic Operational Capability in December 2024 with the 3rd Warsaw Air Defence Brigade, making Poland the 15th operator of the Patriot system. A three-stage System Integration Checkout (SICO) process was established in Toruń to integrate Wisła, including inventory, assembly, activation, and system-wide validation.
Complementary acquisitions include four MCC-1 mobile communications nodes and fourteen command cabins in various configurations, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. The Toruń workshops have also been upgraded to become the main service centre for Poland’s air defence systems, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The PAC-3 MSE interceptor, central to Wisła, is designed for direct hit-to-kill engagements against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. With a range of about 100 km, the interceptor significantly improves the system’s performance against manoeuvring ballistic targets at high altitude, providing layered defence when combined with the Narew and Pilica+ systems.
The second phase of Wisła, finalised in September 2023, is worth 47.6 billion złoty ($13.33 billion) and will add six more batteries, including LTAMDS radars, 48 launchers, and 644 PAC-3 MSE missiles. Deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2029, with Huta Stalowa Wola contracted to build 48 launchers from 2027 to 2029.
