The Armed Forces Agency launched a preliminary marketplace consultation on the acquisition of laser-oriented energy weapon systems. The intent of the proceeding is to identify the solutions available on the marketplace and to gather the information essential to find future requirements for specified weapons. Modern systems are intended to complement conventional anti-aircraft defense.
From published by Armed Forces Agency The paper shows that the Polish Army is curious in systems capable of combating air targets at short and average distance. In the first case, the minimum scope is set at 1 kilometre, in the second, at least 3 kilometres. possible uses have been identified in peculiar to prevent usage Unmanned aircraft and C-RAM class measures covering missiles, artillery and mortar.
AU allows a wide scope of laser systems integration. These solutions could be installed both on land platforms – wheeled and caterpillar – as well as in container or ship systems. This indicates the approach to building modular capacity, which can be utilized in various operating domains.
What does the army want?
As part of the marketplace consultation, the military asks possible suppliers for detailed information on the technologies offered. These include, inter alia, the level of method maturity of systems (TRLs), their operational parameters and experience of erstwhile use, including possible implementation in the armed forces of another countries.
Cost issues are besides an crucial component of the question. The Armed Forces Agency expects data on not only the acquisition price but besides the full life-cycle costs, including operation, maintenance and withdrawal of systems from service. In parallel, logistics and training requirements are to be analysed to measure the real anticipation of implementing fresh solutions in the structures of the Polish Army.
The paper besides provides for the collection of information on possible technology transfer to the Polish defence manufacture and export restrictions related to the components used. Various possible models of the implementation of the future programme, including both the expression of cooperation between companies (B2B) and intergovernmental agreements (G2G), have been taken into account.
Initiation of a preliminary marketplace consultation means that the laser weapons acquisition programme is at a very early stage. At the current level, detailed method requirements specified as the power of systems or the mark configuration of architecture have not yet been specified. The information collected from manufacture is intended to clarify the assumptions of a possible future acquisition procedure.
Complement, no alternative
Laser energy weapon systems (LSBSE) are developed by many countries as a complement to classical air defence measures. Their possible advantage is the low cost of single usage compared to rocket effectors, which is peculiarly crucial in the context of combating many comparatively inexpensive targets specified as unmanned or circulating ammunition.
At the same time, these technologies are inactive in intensive development. Their effectiveness can be limited by atmospheric conditions, and implementation involves crucial power and cooling requirements. Therefore, laser systems are now being treated as a complement alternatively than an alternate to conventional air defence systems.
The activities launched by the Agency for Armed Forces are part of a wider trend in the search for new, more cost-effective methods to combat modern air threats. However, decisions on the possible acquisition of laser systems will depend on the results of analyses carried out and the availability of technologically mature solutions.
