NATO grants funding for long range radar to Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary

Published: 10/13/1999

NATO's Infrastructure Committee has approved grants for Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary to fund the acquisition of long distance 3D radars, under the general National Security Programme. Poland has been granted $65m for the purchase of three radars; the Czech Republic and Hungary have been allocated $40m each for two systems. The tender for the radars is expected to be announced in mid-2000 and will be extended to all manufacturers in NATO countries. Polish radar manufacturer, Radwar, is expected to be a keen contender, with its high flat 3-D N-12 radar. It is likely to be the only Central European manufacturer taking part in the bid, as Czech Tesla cannot offer an adequate system. The project to upgrade the Polish military ATC involves the purchase of six radars. Three will be ordered locally, with national financing, with N-12 as the chosen solution. However, the infrastructure for all six units will be covered by NATO's budget. The Polish investment project, approved in June, covers some 12 different tasks, costing $125m up to 2006 and a total value of $650m over the next decade, with the difference being covered by Poland. All three countries will also be investing separately in converting local airfields to NATO standards. Poland will have six air bases capable of receiving NATO aircraft for alert deployment. Two initial bases will be at Powidz and Minsk Mazowiecki.

Article ID: 971