Modern technologies in the service of the Polish arms industry

• The letter of intent signed with the Telesystem-Mesko Development and Implementation Center aims to develop modern optoelectronic solutions in missile and ammunition technology.
• The agreement with PCO, one of the pillars of the Polish Armaments Group, aims to create new solutions for the Polish army that will use the photonic integrated circuits (PICs) currently being developed by the company.
• Vigo Photonics also presented products for use in, among others, smart ammunition and target fire detection systems.

The letter of intent, signed with Centrum Rozwojowo-Wdrożeniowe Telesystem-Mesko, responsible for the creation, development and production of critical guidance elements (SEEKER) for the PPZR PIORUN, PPZR GROM, PPK PIRAT missiles and the APR 155 and APR 120 precision-guided ammunition, aims to develop modern optoelectronic solutions in missile and ammunition technology.

Modern missile guidance systems

The signed agreement covers the development of innovative solutions adapted to the needs of the modern battlefield, in particular matrices that will be used in modern missile guidance systems, as well as systems detecting laser targeting.

New generation products will provide Polish and allied armed forces with new capabilities across a wide spectrum, in the area of ​​imaging and sensor technology.

Thanks to the cooperation between Vigo Photonics and CRW Telesystem-Mesko, it will be possible to effectively implement Polish semiconductor solutions aimed at countering mass air attack means, e.g. drones or combat aircraft.

The scope of cooperation between the two companies has been planned very broadly – ​​from dialogue with Polish government agencies, through research and development, and implementation of developed solutions into production, to the formulation and implementation of a joint technological strategy. This partnership has enormous potential and represents a real response to the urgent, still unmet needs of the Polish Armed Forces in the area of ​​modern defense systems against airborne threats.

Sovereignty and technological independence

"Our ambition is for the Polish Army to benefit from world-class solutions, manufactured in Poland, that protect the country's strategic interests. The launch of this new project with CRW Telwsystem-Mesko demonstrates that we are on the right track to achieving this mission," commented Adam Piotrowski, CEO of Vigo Photonics.

"Sovereignty and independence in critical technologies are the principles that have guided us from the very beginning of CRW Telesystem-Mesko's operations as we design and manufacture the most sophisticated guidance systems for very short-range anti-aircraft missiles and precision-guided munitions. I am deeply convinced that the joint venture launched with Vigo will contribute to the development of new domestic solutions for missile guidance warheads and will become a springboard for the development of Polish solutions with longer ranges than VSHORAD," says Janusz Noga, President of CRW Telesystem-Mesko.

Using Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC)

During this year's MSPO trade fair, VIGO Photonics also strengthened its long-standing cooperation with PCO, one of the pillars of the Polish Armaments Group, by signing a letter of intent aimed at creating new solutions for the Polish army that will use the photonic integrated circuits (PICs) currently being developed by the company.

The concluded agreement guarantees the stability of cooperation within a specified time and financial framework.

"Vigo, through the HyperPIC project, plans to create a miniaturized solution that will contain an infrared detector, lasers, waveguides, and electronics in a chip the size of a fingertip, allowing for broader use, including in military operations. The signed letter is proof that Vigo Photonics is perceived as a creator of future technologies," says Adam Piotrowski.

"We began our collaboration with Vigo Photonics many years ago, working together to develop the Polish defense industry. In April of this year, we signed a contract for the supply of cooled infrared arrays, and today we are signing a letter of intent that strengthens our business relationship. We hope that future joint projects will be equally fruitful. Collaboration with domestic industrial potential is an important element of our company's development strategy, which is why we are especially pleased with this signed agreement," said Marek Adamiak, President of PCO.

Military news from the Polish group

During this year's XXXIII International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), Vigo Photonics presented a mid-infrared array developed specifically for the Polish military.

This solution is used in surveillance and reconnaissance systems, significantly increasing the detection and identification capabilities of targets in challenging operational conditions. The sensor was showcased not only at the Vigo Photonics booth, but also at the PCO booth, which uses it in its thermal imaging cameras.

Visitors could also learn about the company's other products, including those used in smart ammunition, fire detection systems for immediate extinguishing in military vehicles, and optical spectroscopy solutions for detecting chemical agents and biological threats.

An additional attraction was the HELIOS (Helmet Laser Impulse Observation System) created by Vigo Photonics engineers, which, when mounted on a soldier's helmet, can detect a laser beam and provide information that it has been targeted.

HELIOS detects short laser pulses used by modern laser rangefinders and target designators. Upon detection, it uses an audible signal to indicate the threat zone. This solution is just one example of the potential applications for the detectors manufactured by Vigo Photonics in its factory.

- The presented technologies not only increase the effectiveness and security of the armed forces' operations, but also contribute to building Poland's technological sovereignty in the area of ​​defense - assures Vigo Photonics.