A new strategic hub for European defense technology
MBDA has inaugurated its first industrial facility in Poland, designed to serve both as a service base and as a technology hub for the company’s operations in the country. Supporting the PILICA+ short-range air defense program will be one of the center’s primary missions.
The new facility is part of MBDA’s efforts to deepen its cooperation with Poland and is expected to create employment opportunities for local specialists, including engineers. It will also enable Polish personnel to work with advanced European technologies used in complex weapons systems.
The company’s leadership has emphasized that the site will provide more than equipment maintenance. It is also intended to become a center for technical innovation, helping Poland develop and retain highly qualified engineering talent.
Senior officials attend opening ceremony
The facility was officially opened on Monday in the presence of senior officials from Poland, the United Kingdom, Italy and France.
Luke Pollard, the UK minister of state for defense readiness and industry, highlighted the importance of the new site at a time when Europe is facing its most serious security challenges in generations. He said stronger Polish air defenses would directly contribute to stronger NATO air defenses, while also supporting employment in both countries.
Two buildings equipped for maintenance and technical work
The center is located in Czosnów, less than 20 miles northwest of Warsaw, and consists of two buildings.
One building covers approximately 900 square meters, while the second has an area of about 3,000 square meters. The complex includes office areas, laboratories, a warehouse and a storage hall adapted to support PILICA launchers.
The facility has been designed to handle several launchers at the same time and to store the spare parts required for servicing and maintenance operations.
Local workforce set to expand from 2026
The center currently employs 11 people, all of them members of the Polish team. According to MBDA Poland’s management, the workforce is expected to grow toward the end of 2026 and in early 2027.
The expansion will focus primarily on engineering and technical support positions. Additional personnel will assist with program-related activities and provide the necessary facilities for British specialists and technicians responsible for the launchers to work in Poland when required.
PILICA+ forms part of Poland’s layered air defense network
PILICA+ is regarded as one of NATO’s largest European procurement programs for short-range air defense systems.
The system is intended to serve as the inner layer of Poland’s integrated air defense network. The architecture also includes the WILSA system, which covers the upper tier, and the NAREW system, assigned to the middle tier.
Last November, the first production PILICA system was handed over to the Polish Army at the 34th Air Defense Missile Squadron in Bytom. It is the first of 16 systems scheduled for delivery under an agreement between the Polish Ministry of National Defence’s Armament Agency and the PGZ-PILICA+ consortium.
From 23mm cannons to CAMM missiles
The basic PILICA system, which serves as the foundation for the upgraded PILICA+ configuration, consists of a command post, a target-acquisition radar, six fire units equipped with twin 23mm cannons and Piorun missiles, as well as support vehicles.
The enhanced PILICA+ variant adds iLauncher units armed with CAMM missiles, the next-generation Zenit-MP+ automated command system and the Bystra mobile radar station. This configuration is intended to provide an additional layer of protection against aerial threats and to operate as part of a coordinated national air defense network.
