New production line in Dęblin brings Poland closer to strengthening air defense

In cooperation with Lockheed Martin, the Military Aviation Plant No. 1 (WZL1), opened a plant and production line in Dęblin. The facility will produce containers for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles, which are being acquired as part of the Vistula Program, aimed at developing Polish air defense.

Military Aviation Plant No. 1 announced the opening of a new production line in Dęblin. The project was developed in cooperation with the American Lockheed Martin. Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) launch containers will be built at the plant. The new production line is built as part of the Vistula project, which includes the acquisition of medium-range air defense. In August last year, the Ministry of Defense signed contracts with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Company.

The launch pod container holds the canister of the interceptor rocket, allowing safe transportation and protection of the missile. The new facility has been certified by Lockheed Martin and the U.S. government.

Production of launch containers for PAC-3 MSE Patriot missiles. Source: WZL No. 1

“Lockheed Martin invested in developing this capability in cooperation with WZL1 because we see the value of long – term cooperation with the Polish defense industry, including WZL1,” said Robert Orzyłowski, Director of Global Business Development for Poland and CEE. “The new approved WZL1 production line allows them to join the PAC3 MSE global supply chain to support our customers around the world,” he added.

Last June, WZL1 received an order from Lockheed Martin for two launch containers. Production of the first containers is planned for September 2024.

PAC-3 MSE is based on “hit to kill” technology that detects, tracks and intercepts threats. It is effective against ballistic, maneuvering and aircraft, missiles.

Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze nr 1 / Marcin Karwowski