Lockheed Martin and Poland’s Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze nr 1 (WZL1/ Military Aviation Works 1 / a subsidiary of state-owned defence group PGZ) announced that they have signed a contract to build a production plant in eastern Poland for Patriot PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability-3, Missile Segment Enhancement) missiles, that will be used in the Polish Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.

According to Lockheed Martin, the new plant in Dęblin is the implementation of industrial and offset agreements signed with Lockheed Martin as part of the 'Wisła' anti-air and missile programme in March last year with the Polish government. Around 20 Polish workers are to be employed in the new 3,000-square-metre facility. It is planned to be opened in 2021.

WZL1 and Lockheed Martin started cooperation in 2018 under an offset agreement signed by LM with the Polish State Treasury.

PAC-3 MSE missiles produced by Lockheed Martin are the main element of the future Polish air defence system.

It is not clear but learnt that Poland has ordered 208 of these missiles.

As part of the contract, Lockheed Martin will cooperate with WZL1 in the production and qualification of the launch container chamber.

Lockheed Martin has been cooperating with the Polish Defence Ministry since 1997. The company is also producer of F-16 combat aircraft, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and HIMARS missile artillery sets selected by Poland.