MSPO 2023: Mesko's Ambitious Expansion in Anti-Air Defense
In the rapidly evolving world of defense technology, Mesko, a prominent member of the Polish Armament Group (PGZ), is making significant strides with its flagship product, the PPZR Piorun (man-portable air-defense system “Thunderbolt”). At this year's MSPO, the company unveiled the next iteration of this missile system, aptly named Piorun NG (New Generation).
Piorun NG: A Glimpse into the Future
The Piorun NG is not just a mere upgrade; it's a testament to Mesko's commitment to innovation and excellence. This new weapon system's development is an entirely internal endeavor, funded solely by the company. The current configuration of the Piorun NG is designed to test the newly developed missile components, including the optoelectronic head, control computer, software, and the control block of the aerodynamic rudders.
Furthermore, based on field experiences with the low-smoke engine, Mesko plans to modify the existing missile engine. These modifications will encompass the fuel grain, its combustion method, adjustments to the missile's fuel tank, and the cryptographic computer. These innovative solutions are set to undergo practical testing within the upcoming year, with the first operational firing of the missile scheduled 9-12 months from now.
Scaling Up Production
While the Piorun NG is still in its developmental phase, Mesko is not slowing down the production of the current PPZR Piorun model. As revealed by the development vice-president, Przemysław Kowalczuk, the company has already delivered another batch of 300 missiles to the Polish Armed Forces this year. This figure was once the upper limit of their annual production capacity. However, this year, they're on track to produce 1,000 missiles, with plans to ramp up to 1,400 units annually by next year.
But Mesko's ambitions don't stop there. The company has set its sights on further enhancing the production efficiency of the Piorun, Piorun NG, and the future Grzmot (previously known as Piorun 2) missile systems. The fruition of these plans will largely hinge on the funding allocated for such investments.
Diversifying the Arsenal: The CAMM-ER and CAMM-MR Missiles
Mesko's vision extends beyond the Piorun series. On the inaugural day of this year's MSPO, the PGZ-Narew consortium inked a deal for the delivery of over a thousand CAMM-ER missiles slated for 2027-2035. Mesko, an integral part of this consortium, is keen on producing crucial components like the missile body, warhead, and the two-phase propeller engine with a novel rocket fuel. Additionally, they will oversee the final integration and testing of the completed missiles.
Looking further into the horizon, there's the anticipated production of the CAMM-MR missile, a collaborative effort between MBDA and PGZ.
Conclusion
Mesko's endeavors showcased at MSPO 2023 underline the company's unwavering commitment to advancing defense technology. With a blend of innovation, strategic partnerships, and ambitious production goals, Mesko is poised to redefine the landscape of anti-air defense systems in the coming years.
