Upgrades or new projects in the process of modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces? Participants of the conference organised by Bumar Group and RAPORT-wto monthly tried to answer the above question.

Lech Kościuk, the Head of the Department of Transformation stressed in his address the need to upgrade and to purchase modern equipment. He has also expressed his hope that the Kielce discussion will be one of voices in a broad debate that will allow better definition of expectations towards the process of modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces. General Zygmunt Mierczyk, representing the Military Academy of Technology (WAT), stressed the existing prospects of funding R&D projects within the funds at the disposal of the Ministry of Science and University Education.

The first speaker, Lt. Col. Dr Adam Radomyski, who discussed new concepts of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence, stressed the need of having a vision that determines the modernisation action. The entire process should come in stages, starting with identification of threats, through definition of the required shape of the future anti-aircraft forces, and ending in development of the model of realisation of the chosen concept. Without a doubt a modern anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence system will have to function much more dynamically than the current one. Poland's engagement in NATO and in numerous military contingents entails the need to consider new threats. Operations within international forces impose additional limitations and fire opening procedures adequate to local conditions.

Another subject discussed during the conference was the question of helicopter development and upgrading. Previous experience of Bumar Group was presented by Tomasz Berezowski, advisor to the Board. Extensive action is necessitated by the need to adapt Mi-17 and Mi-24 class helicopters for service with the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan. The machines are equipped with new communication systems, a jamming system, illumination allows flying with night-vision goggles. It is also necessary to provide armour for the engine and the cockpit, and to fit new gun positions. But even a far-going upgrade of the ageing design is a temporary solution.

In the nearest future it will be necessary to purchase new machines. Tomasz Berezowski pointed to the W-3PL helicopter as the prospective design. Thanks to modern electronics the Głuszec can be the transition machine that will allow training and maintaining pilot reflexes. Companies associated in Bumar have prepared a number of solutions (such as monocular displays, communication and armament systems) that can be integrated with the Głuszec. What is most important now is to take resolute action to close the increasing equipment gap. Introducing new machines into service could take 7 to 9 years.

Developing universal combat platforms is a worldwide standard. Obrum have presented the concept of a multi-role combat platform. The system's key component is a light tank with an unmanned turret. The programme is an answer to similar modular combat systems developed in the world.

Przemysłowe Centrum Optyki (PCO) have presented a number of upgrades to fire control systems for T-72 and PT-91 tanks. it seems an interesting idea to carry out a deep upgrade of Leopard tanks of the Polish armed Forces together with the German KMW. During this year's fair PCO have presented a family of day- and night-time helmet-mounted displays for helicopter pilots. The conference was closed with presentations by PIT on command system development and by Bumar on modern programmable missiles.