PSR-A Pilica - "Trust me it works"

THEPolishThunder · June 21, 2026, 12:04am

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History

History

The PSR-A Pilica programme originated from work conducted at the Military University of Technology (WAT) beginning in 2006, while the Air Force Air Defence Command formulated requirements for a new very-short-range air-defence system intended to protect Polish air bases. Designated Pilica, the project aimed to create a modern networked air-defence system capable of countering aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and, increasingly, unmanned aerial vehicles.

Following feasibility studies, it was determined that the existing ZUR-23-2SP Jodek-SP anti-aircraft missile and artillery system provided an ideal basis for further development. The combination of twin 23 mm cannons, integration with Grom surface-to-air missiles, short reaction times, resistance to jamming and the ability to engage both aerial and ground targets offered considerable modernization potential. Experience gained from earlier command-and-control projects, including the Polip-SP programme, also contributed to the development of the future system’s data transmission and battlefield management capabilities.

A major step in the programme came in 2010 with the launch of the development project “Short-Range Anti-Aircraft Missile and Artillery System for the Pilica Air Base Defence System”, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development. The project was carried out by a consortium consisting of the Military University of Technology, Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów and Bumar. Particular emphasis was placed on reducing reaction times, automating data processing and ensuring the safe operation of the system in areas with friendly aircraft.

Research on the PZR-A ZUR-23-2SP Jodek-SP technology demonstrator, which would become the primary effector of the Pilica system, was completed in 2014. The results were subsequently used by the Ministry of National Defence during the analytical and conceptual phase of the PSR-A Pilica programme. That same year, the acquisition of the system was classified as a project essential to Poland’s national security interests.

Following the completion of studies and evaluations, a contract for six complete Pilica systems was signed on 24 November 2016. To carry out the programme, the Pilica Consortium was established under the leadership of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ). Major participants included PIT-RADWAR, responsible for radar integration, PCO for optoelectronic systems and Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów as the principal system integrator. Additional contributors included MESKO, Jelcz, Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 2 and CRW Telesystem-Mesko.

The final PSR-A Pilica system was designed as a part of a multi-layered air-defence solution intended to supplement the engagement zones of Poland’s short and medium range missile systems. Each battery combines radar, command vehicles and six firing units armed with the ZUR-23-2SP Jodek-S. Equipped with advanced optoelectronic sights and digital command systems, PSR-A Pilica can operate both independently and as part of Poland’s wider integrated air-defence network.

Testing of the complete prototype system was conducted between 2019 and 2020, including extensive live-fire trials at the Central Air Force Training Area in Ustka. Following successful acceptance testing with both Grom and Piorun missiles, the first PSR-A Pilica system was delivered to the Polish Armed Forces on 18 December 2020 and entered service with the 37th Air Defence Missile Squadron. The first production-standard system was commissioned in March 2022, marking the beginning of Pilica’s operational deployment within Poland’s air-defence forces.

Summarised Characterisitcs

Details

Crew (5)

23mm 2A14 autocannon x 2

Ammo:

23x152 z pociskiem BZT

23x152 z pociskiem APDS-T

23x152 z pociskiem FAPDS-T

23x152 z pociskim OFZT

Elevation: -3°/+75°

Fire rate: 400rds/m

2x Grom/Piorun missiles

Gunner optic

3rd gen thermals

Combat weight: ~ 3100kg

Engine: MTU 6R106TD21 EURO III (326hp)

Max speed: 85 km/h

Video tracking

Laser range finder

Armament

Details

image1920×1280 245 KB

ZUR-23-2SP Jodek-SP

Electric drive

Horizontal rotation speed: 0.7 rad/s

Vertical rotation speed: 0.7 rad/s

2 x 23 mm 2A14 cannons

Elevation: -3° to +75°

Fire rate: 400 rds/m

Ammo capacity: Ready racked 100 rds

Total ammunition capacity: 2000 rounds

Ammo feeding: single feed

The turret can be crewed by a person but also remotely controlled from inside the truck

Ammunition

Each single artillery truck carries around 2000 rounds for the 2x 23 mm 2A14 cannons. And carries 2x Grom/Piorun mandpads.

23x152 z pociskiem BZT

Type of bullet: API

Projectile weight: 191.6 ± 2.9 g

Cartridge weight: ~ 450 g

Average bullet velocity: V0 = 970 ± 15 m/ s

Power charge Mass: ~ 77 g (1188.29 gr)

23x152 z pociskiem APDS-T

Type of bullet: APDS-T

Projectile weight: 130 ± 5 g

Cartridge weight: 380 ÷ 400 g

Average bullet velocity: V0 = 1170 ± 20 m/s

Power charge Mass: 78 g (1203.72 gr)

23x152 z pociskiem FAPDS-T

Type of bullet: APDS-T

Projectile weight: 130 ± 5 g

Cartridge weight: 380 ÷ 400 g

Average bullet velocity: V0 = 1170 ± 20 m/s

Power charge Mass: 86 g (1327.18 gr)

PPZR Grom

1150×153 92.1 KB

Type of warhead: FRAG-HE

Caliber: 72mm

Flight Speed: 580m/s

Rocket Weight: 10.25kg

Guidance: Infrared

Detonation Mechanism: Contact

Operation Range: 5.5km

Altitude: 10-3,500m

PPZR Piorun

1150×211 138 KB

Caliber: 72mm

Flight Speed: 660m/s

Rocket Weight: 16.5kg

Guidance: Infrared

Detonation Mechanism: Contact/Laser Proximity Fuse

Operation Range: 6.5km

Altitude: 10-4,000m

Ammunition below is not listed on Mesko’s website, so information comes from an old brochure.

23x152 z pociskiem OFZT

Bullet weight: 188.5g

Cartridge weight: 450g

Bullet velocity: 970m/s

Tracer burning time: Minimum of 5,4 seconds

Mobility

Details

Engine: MTU 6R106TD21 EURO III (326hp)

Max torque: 1300 Nm at 1200-1600 rpm.

Transmission: mechanical gearbox manufactured by ZF

Gears: 9 forward, 1 reverse

Top Speed: 85 km/h

Weight: ~ 3100kg (estimation of the trucks weight with PSR Pilica set)

Armour

Details

The PSR-A Pilica won’t have any shockingly good armour, the cabin is a simple STANAG 4569 Level 1.

Optics, electronics, other

Details

Gunner optic: GOS-1

1156×900 112 KB

Horizontal guidance speed: 2 rad/sec

Vertical guidance speed: 2 rad/sec

Thermal camera: KMW-3

3-rd generation

Wide FOV: 12°

Narrow FOV: 2,3˚

Digital zoom (x2, x4)

Day camera: KTVD-1M

Wide FOV: 7,5˚

Narrow FOV: 2˚

Video Tracker

Laser rangefinderㅤ

1581×900 246 KB

Length: ~7800mm

Width: 1950mm

Height: 1790mm

Crew: 2 (gunner,commander/driver)