Polish army to acquire UAVs for Brigades and Elements of the Army

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The Armament Inspectorate of the Polish army has started a procedure aimed at making it possible to acquire UAVs for the Polish Army per the two following categories: tactical, short range UAVs, dubbed “Orlik” and Mini-UAVs, dubbed „Wizjer”. The acquisition package will also include a logistics bundle and respective training systems.

The procedure is being carried out with exclusion of the Public Procurement Law, which means that it is governed by the rules used within the scope of the orders applied in the field of defense and security.

According to Defense 24, conclusions of the technical dialogue carried out back in 2013, regarding the various types of UAVs, form the basis for the tactical and technical requirements specified within the tender. The Armament Inspectorate is willing to acquire unmanned aerial vehicles along with the control systems and maintenance. These UAVs are going to be used in the framework of the following categories:

• Short range Tactical UAVs also known as „Orlik”, which are to be used at the brigade level. The Polish Ministry of Defense is planning to acquire 12 “Orlik” UAVs along with the training system and maintenance bundle by 2022. There is an option of further procurement, which, if it is to happen, would be organized by 2027.

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• Mini UAVs, also known as “Wizjer”, are to be used at the element level. Some 15 UAVs, along with maintenance/logistics and training bundles are to be delivered by 2017.

The entire procedure, which is aimed at acquisition of the new UAV, will not be carried out in the framework of a tender. Instead, the purchase will be realized in a way designed to safeguard Poland’s basic security interests. This means that Public procurement law would be irrelevant, and all activities would be carried out in accordance with  „Decision No. 92/MON” made by the Minister of Defense on 21st March 2014. This decision regulates the detailed procedures within the scope of qualifying and assessing the orders for presence of the basic security interest. Instead of a tender, the whole process will be realized as an open order.

The bidders who would meet the formal requirements would gain access to the detailed information related to the procedures, including the technical requirements. On the basis of the aforementioned information they will be able to place the initial offers, without mentioning the price. Bidders who meet the requirements and who will be accepted to take part in the procedure will negotiate the conditions until the moment of placing the ultimate technical and financial offers, among which the final contractor will be selected.

The requests to be admitted into the procedure may be placed until 16th February this year. The procedure is to be completed, and agreements are to be concluded at the beginning of next year.