Jul. 17, 2012 - By Jaroslaw Adamowski Defense News
WARSAW — The Polish Ministry of Defense has requested approval from the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to purchase nine Ground Controlled Approach (GCA) radar systems, the DSCA said in a statement. The cost of the planned acquisition is estimated at $200 million.
The GCA systems are to consist of a primary surveillance radar, secondary surveillance radar and precision approach radar.
The purchase from U.S. manufacturer ITT Exelis would support Poland’s F-16 and C-130 aircraft programs. The company is to supply the Polish military with VHF/UHF radio equipment, training gear and logistics support, according to the DSCA statement.
“The proposed sale will further standardize the air navigation and approach radar capabilities of Poland, increasing aviation safety across the country and region,” the DSCA said.
In 2000, Poland’s Ministry of Defense attempted to buy three GCA 2000 radar systems from U.S. manufacturer ITT Gilfillan, but the deal was not finalized due to a lack of compliance with Poland’s offset regulation.
No new offset agreements were proposed in connection with the latest potential contract.
“Currently, the Polish military airports are fitted with radio location systems ... made in the [former] USSR. These systems are outdated and not resistant to spectrum distortions,” the Ministry of Defense said in an official document on radar systems. Most radar systems used by Poland have far exceeded their expected length of operation, the document said.
In 2012, the MoD earmarked 5.66 billion zloty ($1.65 billion) for acquisition of weapons and military equipment.
