Annual summary for 2024

For Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia S.A. the year 2024 was another step of building potential and improving competences in the WISŁA, NAREW and PILICA+ Programmes. These are the key Programmes for the defence of the Polish skies. As far as the first Programme is concerned, the completion of D10A Offset Commitment was a significant achievement, thanks to which WZU S.A. confirmed competences in the production of highly specialised cable harnesses for PATRIOT PAC-3 Launcher and other armament applications. The implementation of D6a Offset Commitment, which includes the production of Heater Controller Unit (HCU), is reaching the phase of completion of the Project. In both areas, the Offsettor is the American arms concern – Lockheed Martin. As part of the WISŁA programme, the Company is also finalising the construction of the first command cabins, which will be equipped with, among others, the most modern IBCS combat command and control system.

 

In the NAREW Program, Wojskowe Zakłady Uzbrojenia S.A. actively participated in the process of future knowledge and technology transfer for many areas, including final assembly, integration and testing of the launcher and launch platform, integrated logistic support and management of repairs and spare parts.

 

In the scope of the PILICA+ Program, in accordance with the agreement signed with the Armament Agency, the Company has completed a number of project stages, including camouflage painting tests and technical agreements regarding the production of launcher system modules. Additionally, the plant's capabilities for iLauncher maintenance activities have been expanded.

 

In addition, in accordance with the signed agreements, the Company carried out repairs and modernization of 9A33BM OSA (SA-8) combat vehicles and the 2K12 KUB (SA-6) anti-aircraft system. 12 self-propelled 152mm DANA gun-howitzers and transport and loading vehicles were also repaired.

 

In the field of training systems and simulators, WZU S.A. signed an agreement with a foreign contractor for the construction of a trainer based on virtual reality technology for SA-8 anti-aircraft system.

 

The Company took part in the 32 International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce. The Company's stand presented PAC-3 launcher cable harnesses, which are the result of competences obtained as part of the offset implementation in Phase I of the WISŁA Programme. Two innovative devices designed and manufactured for the modernisation of post-Soviet anti-aircraft systems were also presented. The first one is OS81-9M-P2 Distance Indicator, whose task is, among others, to visualise radar pulses, enabling the operator to intercept and track targets. The second presented device is OP81-16M-P4 Digital Plan Position Indicator, designed to work in radar stations with the proprietary “Scan Converter RSC-SOM” radio signal processing module. Both devices were made in digital technology using FPGA technology. Compared to their post-Soviet counterparts, they have extended functionality and improved reliability, and are more ergonomic to use.

 

A moving model was also presented, illustrating the capabilities of Vibration and Tilt Recording System developed at WZU S.A., dedicated to transport and loading vehicles used to transport missiles ammunition. This system monitors and records transport conditions, signalling when the assumed vibrations and tilts of the vehicle are exceeded.

 

Cybersecurity and current directions of international cooperation were the subject of two October conferences (Cyber24 Day and Warsaw Security Forum), attended by representatives of the defence industry, journalists and politicians. The participation of WZU S.A. representatives in these events confirms our Company's interest in these issues. The involvement of WZU S.A. in these issues is emphasized by the fact that the Director of International Cooperation of WZU S.A. serves as a mentor in the project “Young Female `Leaders in Security Mentoring Program”, aimed at supporting professional development of women in the defence and security sector.

 

Another important event that took place in October this year was a distinction for long-term maintenance and improvement of quality management systems, which the Company received from the Quality Certification Centre of the Military University of Technology.

 

In August, Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. signed a contract with Raytheon Polska for the production of 48 M903 launchers, which are part of the PATRIOT air and missile defence systems under the WISŁA program. The contract will be implemented in 2027-2029 and until then, as part of Phase II of the WISŁA program, contracts for the delivery of components will be signed by companies belonging to the PGZ S.A. Capital Group. This fact is also of great importance for WZU S.A., which will thus have the opportunity to obtain multi-year order packages for the delivery of transport and loading vehicles, command cabins, cable harnesses and HCU heater controllers.

 

In October, the official inauguration of the offset projects of the second phase of the WISŁA program took place at the seat of Raytheon Company Technologies in Andover. The participation of WZU S.A. representatives in this event confirmed the ability and efforts of our Company to implement cooperation within PGZ S.A. at the next stage of building the national PATRIOT system.

 

In May and October, meetings of the Management Board of WZU S.A. with representatives of Grudziądz authorities and the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration were held, during which the directions of the Company’s strategic development were discussed in the context of cooperation with city authorities and the prospects for increasing employment and support for the residents of Grudziądz.

 

The company continues its policy of activities for the development of education at the local level, which was served by signing two agreements. The first one was concluded with the Poznań University of Technology and concerns cooperation in the field of student internships at WZU S.A. and support in the implementation of research projects. The second agreement was signed with the Technical Secondary School in Grudziądz and concerns initiating joint activities for the development of vocational education.

 

WZU S.A. supported many local organizations, associations and initiatives working for children, youth and disabled people. The company also co-financed the purchase of an engine for a rescue boat and equipment necessary for first aid by WOPR rescuers on the waters of Lake Rudnik in Grudziądz. WZU S.A. also took part in the campaign “Grudziądz for flood victims” by organizing transport with the most necessary items for the affected residents of Jelenia Góra. In addition, the sponsorship of the local speedway club ZOOLESZCZ GKM Grudziądz and the junior team Olimpia Grudziądz was continued.

 

As part of promoting its activities among the local community, the Company presented itself at picnics organised in Grudziądz on the occasion of Polish Army Day, NATO Dragon-24 exercises, 3 May Constitution Day and National Independence Day.