Poland with TOPAZ strategy accepted to ASCA

On 14 March, following all interoperability tests, Poland gained membership in the global Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities (ASCA). In this way, TOPAZ confirmed the position of the Polish Army's national artillery strategy for Rocket and Artillery troops, inscribed in the chain of allied command.

Poland became a full associate of the Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities initiative. The decision was taken as a consequence of a vote at the ASCA conference held from 6 to 14 March in Koblence. This is simply a summary of six-year efforts to join the global community.

In 2023 automated fire control strategy TOPAZ The ASCA interface has undergone detailed interoperability tests. According to the methodology, first of all the samples were carried out with the strategy of the introductory state, which was the United States for Poland since 2020 (with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System). The same scope of tests was subsequently confirmed with another Canadian initiative (with Fires Automation and Targeted Effects System).

The summary was reports of the tests carried out and established procedures for utilizing the national implementation of the ASCA interface. The papers were the basis for examining and stating 2 subcommittees (for operational and method matters) that Poland has taken all steps and is ready to be admitted to the community as a full member. This position was formally given unanimously by the ASCA Steering Committee on the last day of the conference in Germany.

Artillery Systems Cooperation Activities is an global initiative, with the leading participation of associate States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The aim of the ASCA initiative is to increase interoperability and enable the direct interaction of automated fire management systems of different countries. This is achieved by applying harmonised standards and uniform interfaces implemented in individual national systems.

Poland's entry among the full members of the ASCA initiative was a confirmation of the maturity of the automated strategy utilized in the Armed Forces of Poland to control the TOPAZ fire and check its interoperability. It is the next phase in the improvement of a national solution, in line with the needs of Rocket Army and Artillery.

TOPAZ with ASCA interface has already been introduced into 2 squadron fire modules 155-mm cannonhoubic. The first uses fully-polonized and produced in Poland operates Krab, the second delivered from South Korea K9. Together with American HIMARS rocket launchers, they will participate in global exercises in Poland and abroad (Dynamic Front).