Poland eyes next-gen weapon with new ballistic missile development

Poland is making major strides in the development of its own ballistic missile, with experts calling it a "revolutionary" project.

Officially presented as a research initiative, the missile’s potential extends far beyond its stated scientific purpose, raising speculation that it could evolve into a significant military weapon, Caliber.Az reports citing Business Insider.

The project is being spearheaded in Warsaw by the Polish Armament Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ) and Military Aircraft Plants No. 1, with work on the missile intensifying in recent months.

The missile, which is officially named the "Three-Stage Rocket System for Launching Research Payloads," is being marketed exclusively for scientific purposes. The project’s name, however, hints at its broader scope, suggesting it could be a precursor to a much more formidable weapon. The missile’s design aims to launch payloads weighing up to 40 kg to altitudes exceeding 100 km. It is powered by a solid-fuel engine, measures about 1.8 meters in length, and weighs around 48 kg without fuel.

Military experts believe the missile’s current specifications provide a solid foundation for adapting it into a viable military weapon. The three-stage suborbital rocket design is considered particularly interesting for its potential use as an air-defence system. Its size and design make it well-suited for medium-range defence, with some estimates suggesting the missile could have a range of up to 150 kilometres.

While this range wouldn't pose a significant threat to major Russian cities, experts argue that the missile's scalable potential makes it a promising candidate for further development. With the right modifications, the missile could easily be adapted to achieve a much greater range, potentially turning it into a long-range weapon.

"What makes this system particularly intriguing is its scalable potential," noted one expert. "While the current project is aimed at research and development, it’s easy to imagine how this system could evolve into a far more effective military tool." Poland's efforts to build its own missile capabilities align with its broader defence strategy to enhance its military strength and assert greater influence in the region.

Poland has already demonstrated its willingness to invest in strengthening its military power, making this project a key part of its efforts to secure a more formidable position within the international security landscape. Experts agree that the missile's development could mark a significant turning point for Poland's defence sector, as the country looks to create cutting-edge technologies that bolster its defence capabilities in a rapidly changing global environment.

By Tamilla Hasanova