The Role, Place and Future of the Anti-Aircraft Defence Elements in Territorial Defence Structures Karol Szymanowski

3. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY THE ROLE, PLACE AND FUTURE OF THE ANTI-AIRCRAFT DEFENCE ELEMENTS IN TERRITORIAL DEFENCE STRUCTURES KAROL SZYMANOWSKI

ABSTRACT DOI: 10.26410/SF 1/17/7 The purpose of the article is to analyse the elements of the anti-aircraft defence within Territorial Defence Forces. For this purpose, the author outlined the general concept and role played by Territorial Defence in the defence system of the nation, analysed the impact of the anti-aircraft defence on the military tasks performance as well as examined the localization of the anti-aircraft defence sub-units in the Ter ritorial Defence structures and air defence system of the nation. Research findings presented by the author indicate the need to take into consideration numerous aspects, resulting from the specialist character of the air defence forces, in the process of creating Territorial Defence. The author also pays special attention to the possible participa tion of the air defence within Territorial Defence Forces in the multi-layered anti-aircraft defence system of the nation.

KAROL SZYMANOWSKI1 KEY WORDS

Anti-aircraft Defence, Territorial Defence Forces, Air Defence, 1 Air Defence battery commander Territorial Defence, Multilayered anti-aircraft defence. in the 15th Air Defence Regiment.

„A well organized territorial defence system based on local forces is indispensable in national defence strategy” Introduction Prof Z. Brzeziński A changeable geopolitical situation in type of Armed Forces, that is Territorial De Central Europe and in the world, in particular fence (TD), was formed. Territorial Defence conflict in eastern Ukraine are the basis for Forces (TDFs), in addition to Land Forces, reconsidering subjects concerning safety Air Forces, Navy and Special Forces are and defence capabilities of Poland. On supposed to be the fifth type of power1, 21 December 2016 President of Poland complementing the national defence po Andrzej Duda signed an act passed on 16 tential. November 2016, which amended the Act on general compulsory military service of 1 Act of 16 November, 2016 r. amending the Act on the general obligation of the Republic of Poland de the Republic of Poland, under which a new fence and other acts. Art 3, act 3. b/çj 31. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY

Figure 1. The Armed Forces of Poland.

Source: Author's own study

The figure presents the assumptions in In accordance with current doctrines of corporated in the Act of 16 November 2016 the use of aerial assault means as well as and introduces Territorial Defence Forces as experience gained during armed conflicts a separate and independent type of power, in the 20th and 21st4 century, it must be stat creating together with Operational Forces ed that one of the first stages of the con the entire structure of the Armed Forces. flict is an air aggressive operation, during According to experts, in the present eco which the enemy strives to gain dominance nomic and political situation, a concept in the air, which will allow further aerial as of creating Territorial Defence Forces was sault echelons to destroy the objects of crit rated as the cheapest, fastest and most ef ical infrastructure, both military and civilian, fective2 in comparison with the necessity of as well as the devastation of subordinated national reconstruction of the military safe groupings of troops and command posts. ty and increased national defence potential. A main role in that stage of conflict is played As the Minister of Polish National Defence by a fighter aircraft and air defence5. There emphasizes, „Modern army requires such fore, the Territorial Defence Forces are an a component and NATO armies have such indispensable element of the standalone a structure, too, but also because of the Armed Forces component, determining fact that country requires that special situ the performance of the assumed tasks and ation - Poland, being at risk of the activities effective anti-aircraft defence6, which is of our north-east neighbour - Russia - who a part of the Territorial Defence. does not hide its aggressive intentions and at least since 2008 has been taking actions aimed at destabilizing and threatening not pisal-koncepcje-obrony-terytorialnej-to-istotny-element-nowej-doktryny-wojennej (access March 15, only Poland but also our closest neigh 2017). bours"3. 4 See. Przyszłość Sit Powietrznych i jednostek obro ny powietrznej w Sitach Zbrojnych RP, Putaski dla 2 See. Press conference of National Defence Minister obronności Polski, Warsaw 2015. Antoni Macierewicz on the formation of the Territorial 5 S. Zajas, Sity Powietrzne. Dzień dzisiejszy i wyzwa Defence Forces, 14 November, 2016. http://www. nia przyszłości, NDU, Warsaw 2009. mon.gov.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/najnowsze/szef- 6 Lt. Jacek Pajak, Środki lekkiej obrony przeciwlot mon-o-obronie-terytorialnej-g2016-11-14/ (access niczej w osłonie pododdziałów wojsk lądowych, March 15, 2017). science notebooks Land Forces Military Academy, 3 http://www.defence24.pl/356175,macierewicz-pod- No. 3 (153) 2009.

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The establishment of the Territorial De In a functional sense, the Territorial De fence Forces creates the need to analyze fence is a military form of universal na the proper inclusion of anti-aircraft subunits tional protection and defence, conducted into the Territorial Defence. The purpose of at the territorial level throughout Poland, research presented in the article is to deter providing the protection and defence of mine the location of anti-aircraft subunits in city borders, important facilities and ar the structure of the Territorial Defence, its eas, especially critical infrastructure. In role and impact on the achievement of the the case of aggressor's intrusion, the Ter goals set for the TDFs. ritorial Defence in cooperation with the Operational Forces is responsible for per 1. The concept of the terri forming irregular activities on a mass scale torial defence army to a complete destruction or dislodge- ment of the aggressor's power, together Well organized militia (at present - Territorial defence, author's footnote.) with providing support for both operational is essential for the safety of the free development, operation of own forces and state (...). the possible strengthening of the NATO, as well as immediate and widespread military Constitution of support for the authorities and society in the United States of America a situation of natural disasters, technical The starting point for reflections on the catastrophes, misfortunes and needs8. territorial defence of the nation and role of The above assumptions about a national the anti-aircraft defence within its structure approach to the issue of the Territorial De is an analysis of current guidelines, regu fence are reflected in the defensive infer lations and projects dealing with missions ence of NATO states. The importance of and tasks of the Territorial Defence. the Territorial Defence in national defence The Territorial Defence Forces are the fifth systems of countries from all over the globe type of Armed Forces in the Polish national are presented below. defence system. TDFs are an independent type of the Polish Armed Forces, which in a significant way are intended to increase Poland's defence potential. TD service will be carried out by professionals and soldiers performing a new type of active military service, that is Territorial Military Service. According to the amendment of the Act on Military Service, the commander of the Ter ritorial Defence Forces is the commander of the Armed Forces and is subordinated to the Minister of National Defence. In the tar get model of Armed Forces, the Territorial Defence Forces will be located similarly to 8 Dr hab Józef Marczak, Koncepcja strategic other types of Armed Forces Commands7. zna obrony terytorialnej Polski w XXI w., Warsaw 2008r.; See more. Interview with Professor Józef Marczak on the INFO channel, https://www.tvp. 7 http://www.mon.gov.pl/obrona-terytorialna/pytania- info/27599346/chiny-i-usa-stawiaja-na-obrone- i-odpowiedzi/wot-w-systemie-obronnym-panstwa terytorialna-jest-niezbedna-dla-bezpieczenstwa- y2016-12-28/ (access March 19, 2017). narodowego (access March 19, 2017).

65 uÊ 31. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY

Figure 2. Examples of countries with the developed Territorial Defence structure worldwide

Source: ObronaNarodowa.PL, National Defence system, https://obronanarodowa.pl/download/KSON.PDF

Figure 3. Examples of countries with the developed Territorial Defence structure in Europe

Source: ObronaNarodowa.PL, National Defence system. https://obronanarodowa.pl/download/KSON.PDF

An analysis of the percentage of the TD States (figure 3), where the TD is a decisive (figure 2) in the Armed Forces of the coun part of the entire Armed Forces capability. tries presented indicates that the TDFs con However, the creation of a new type of stitute a significant and indispensable com the Polish Armed Forces is not sufficient to ponent of the entire Armed Forces of each exploit its potential rationally. Thus, it was country. Particular attention should be paid necessary to conduct an analysis of the to the size of the TD, especially in Baltic tasks entrusted to the TDFs.

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The Ministry of National Defence intends Based on the above mentioned tasks, to entrust the TD with the following tasks:9 it can be stated that the TDFs as a com - carrying out military operations in co ponent of the Armed Forces covering the operation with operational forces (in the entire country, having a strict attachment case of a conflict). These actions will be to the areas of responsibility, are entrusted aimed at destroying or holding back the with a wide range of responsibilities. Con forces of a potential opponent; clusions drawn from the experiences of re - civilian protection from the effects of cent armed conflicts prove that in order to natural disasters, elimination of their fulfil tasks assigned to TDFs, it is essential effects, search and rescue operations, to organize defence against aerial assault protection of human life and health means. and participation in crisis manage In the Polish concept of the TD it is as ment tasks. sumed that the TDFs will act as a light in - the protection of local communities fantry11, equipped with modern gear and against the effects of destabilization armament12. The structure and equipment and misinformation; of each TD company will strictly depend on - cooperation with elements of the state the area of responsibility: a type of terrain, defence system, especially with pro an amount of critical infrastructure, and vincial governors and local self-gov population. It is assumed to create and ernment authorities; equip TD companies including four pro- - the protection of local communities files:13 against the effects of cyber attacks; - urban; - spreading the idea of patriotic educa - mountainous,; tion in society; - aqueous; - conducting independent unconven - general. tional, counter-attack activities; A basic section of the light infantry com - participation in providing security of pany is a „great twelve" - a light infantry the allied forces in commanded areas. section. Additionally, it is assumed that In addition, the literature analysis of the each TD brigade will be supported by en subject indicated that the TDFs are obliged gineer equipment, combat support units, to fulfil the following commitments:10 anti-tank weapon, anti-aircraft weapon and - the preparation and implementation of unmanned aerial vehicles, in order to pro local protection and defence, in par vide support for subordinated forces in the ticular critical infrastructure; area of responsibility. - carrying out territorial reconnaisance; - taking care of the national heritage; - in the situations of armed conflict and own territory occupation, conducting irregular activities on a mass scale.

11 http://www.m on.gov.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/na - 9 See. http://www.mon.gov.pl/obrona-terytorialna/o- jnowsze/szef-mon-o-obronie-terytorialnej-g2016- nas/zadania-wot-n2016-12-27/ (access March 19, 11-14/, (access March 19, 2017). 2017). 12 See: http://www.defence24.pl/501614,wojska-obro- 10 Lt. J. Marczak, Założenia strategiczne budowy (od ny-terytorialnej-narzedzie-skutecznego-odstrasza- budowy) terytorialnego komponentu Sit Zbrojnych nia-raport, (access March 19, 2017). RP. National defence service.pl, on: www.obro- 13 See: http://www.mon.gov.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/na- nanarodowa.pl/content/strategiczna-koncepcja- jnowsze/poslowie-wysluchali-meldunku-terytorial- ak.html, (access March 19, 2017. sow-y2017-01-26/ (access March 19, 2017).

67 ntl 31. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY 2. The influence of anti-air and air operation of the other side. craft defence on the perfor 2. Air superiority - the degree of domina tion in the air battle of one force over mance of tasks another, allowing one side to conduct A role played by the anti-aircraft defence operations by land, navy and air on In the entire system of the country is deter the indicated area and time without mined by the location, situation and allied significant counteracting from the commitment of Poland. As a NATO flanking other side of conflict. state neighbouring with Russia, Poland is 3. Air supremacy - the degree of domi strongly exposed to a rapid attack of aerial nation in the air, in which opponent's assault assets of the opponent. The pur air forces are unable to counteract ef pose of the aerial assault means would be fectively. to inflict the greatest damage to the most Analysis of the literature of research sub critical infrastructure of the country and Its ject indicates that it is possible to gain and paralysis. maintain air superiority by using effective Anti-aircraft defence is part of air de anti-aircraft defence means, ensuring op fence, aimed to prevent attacks from the eration in the entire airspace. opponent's aerial assaults means in the The anti-aircraft defence plays a decisive interest of own fighting forces14. The main role in combating opponent's aerial assault purpose of the anti-aircraft defence is to means. The Polish Armed Forces possess provide convenient conditions for friendly two types of anti-aircraft defence means in forces In the case of an air threat situation, the structure of air forces: protection of objects and critical infrastruc - PZR Newa SC (a modernized set of ture as well as air warning against aerial S-125M Newa - M); assault means. Only effective, well organ - PZR Wega C (a modernized set of ized anti-aircraft defence together with air S-200WE Wega - WE). forces, especially fighter aircraft, guaran Two anti-aircraft missile sets in the struc tees gaining and maintaining dominance ture of land forces: in the air, thus fulfilling the given tasks (e.g. - PZR 2K12 KUB (SA-6); the protection of designated infrastructure) - PRWB Osa-AK (SA-8). and creating favourable conditions for the In addition, the Polish Army is equipped performance of other task forces. Lack of with the ZUR-23KG and ZSU-23-4MP artil air superiority means the unlimited domina lery- rocket sets, ZU-23-2 artillery set and tion of opponent's air and it can completely portable PPZR Grom (SA-7) anti-aircraft prevent from accomplishing the tasks of rocket sets. own forces. According to NATO criteria, An overview of the anti-aircraft defence three degrees of air domination are distin of the Polish Armed Forces, its combat guished:15 capabilities, the possibility of acquisition 1. A favourable air situation - in which the and use, regarding the need to equip TDFs air effort undertaken by the air forces with anti-aircraft means indicates that there of one side of the conflict Is Insufficient should be mainly portable anti-aircraft mis to prevent the success of land, navy sile sets (Grom, Piorun) and artillery-rocket 14 B. Zdrodowski, Podstawy obrony powietrznej, NDU, sets with 23mm calibre. Warsaw 1998. 15 See. J. Kaczmarek, W. Lepkowski, B. Zdrowski, Realizing the significance of the anti-air Słownik terminów w zakresie bezpieczeństwa naro craft forces and taking into consideration dowego, NDU, Warsaw 2008.

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combat capabilities of own anti-aircraft anti-aircraft defence, and thus guarantee rocket sets and its limits (one-channel sets), ing dominance in the air. Regarding the the Polish Armed Forces are implementing assumption of the Polish Armed Forces, two greatest projects in the history of the the Polish national anti-aircraft defence is anti-aircraft defence, that is WISLA and to be made up of three layers (without PZR NAREW. Wega C): A modern concept of the anti-aircraft de I. A medium range anti-aircraft defence fence operation assumes its „multidimen system - designed to destroy targets sionality" (Figure 4)16. The comprehensive at a range up to 100 km - WISLA pro anti-aircraft defence is to be made by grame; mutual complementary „levels" of the anti II. A short range anti-aircraft defence aircraft defence forces and various possi system - designed to destroy targets bilities resulting from their combat capa at a range up to 20-40 km - NAREW bilities. The more layers of the anti-aircraft programme; defence shield, the more efficient defence III. A very short range anti-aircraft de and possibility of destroying aerial assault fence system - designed to destroy assets are. Depending on the needs, an targets at a range up to maximum few anti-aircraft defence system can be made kilometres - POPRAD, PILICA, PIO up of certain „levels", creating together a RUN programmes. meshing system with the full and complex

Figure 4. Multilayered anti-aircraft defence scheme

Source: R. Ciaston, J. Gruszczyński, R, Lipka, A. Radomyski, T. Smur, Przyszłość Sil Powietrznych i jednostek obrony powietrznej w Siłach Zbrojnych RP, Pulaski for the defence of Poland, Warsaw 2015.

A defined role and objectives of the anti fence can be effective only by using the so- aircraft defence allows the Polish Armed called layered air defence. All elements of Forces to articulate the requirements that this system are important and must form an modern, and above all, efficient anti-air interlock defence zone. craft defence should fulfil. Analysing the literature on the anti-aircraft defence, it can be claimed that the anti-aircraft de

16 The Polish Institute of International Affairs, Bulletin No. 42 (1279), April 28, 2015.

69 uÊ 31. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY 3. The anti-aircraft defence in the territorial defence structure The concept of the TDFs assumes that - Support company - consisting mainly of the main TD training structure will be specialist platoons, including anti-aircraft a battalion17 consisting mainly of (Figure 5): platoon; - A light armoured company (quantity de - A service support company; pending mainly on the TD brigade); - headquarters. - Headquarters company;

Figure 5. Structure of a Territorial Defence battalion

Source: Own study.

The structure of a TD battalion assumes engagement of aerial assault means by TD locating anti-aircraft platoon in the support will be by:18 company. The size and exact structure of - ZUR-23-2 anti-aircraft artillery-rocket the anti-aircraft defence platoons is not de sets; termined yet; according to assumptions it - GROM/GROM-M portable anti-aircraft should be related to the area of battalion's rocket sets; responsibility. - PIORUN portable anti-aircraft rocket According to the information provided by sets19. Ministry of National Defence, the armament

and equipment of the TDFs will not differ See: http://www.mon.gov.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/na- from that of the operational armies. The jnowsze/umowa-na-zakup-zestawow-piorun-p2016- 12-20/, (access March 18, 2017) 17 See. http://www.mon.gov.pl/aktualnosci/artykul/na- http://www.defence24.com/253841,mspo-2015- jnowsze/poslowie-wysluchali-meldunku-terytorial- przeciwlotniczy-piorun-z-meska, (access March 19, sow-y2017-01-26/ (access March 19, 2017) 2017).

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Particular attention should be paid to the Territorial Defence as a separate type of PIORUN portable anti-aircraft rocket set the Armed Forces21 due to its tactical-technical and combat General Wiesfaw Kukula, capabilities as well as national character. Territorial Defence Forces commander It is a modernized version of PPZR GROM. Well- equipped, prepared and deployed Thanks to modernization, it has increased anti-aircraft subunits in the Territorial De its range, greater immunity to interference, fence will fulfil their tasks and create favour higher precision of guidance and ability to able conditions for other tasks entrusted to destroy targets during day or night. PPZR the Territorial Defence Forces, and together PIORUN is designed to destroy helicopters, with air defence subunits of the other kind of planes and winged rockets at ceilings from Armed Forces, equipped with short range 10 m to about 4 kilometres and distance air defence sets, may form one of the layers from 500m to more than 6000 m20. of the comprehensive anti-aircraft defence An overview of the available TD structure system of the nation. allows for specifying the location of the anti Analysing the development of armed aircraft defence in its groupings and start conflicts, that is enemy's activity and tasks ing thinking about its necessity, composi that have to be fulfilled by the TDFs, i.e. co tion, armament, and tactics. operation with the operational forces and Analysing the multi-layered concept of protection of the critical infrastructure in the the anti-aircraft defence, research should area of responsibility, it must be said that be conducted into the role and location of anti-aircraft defence subunits are indispen the anti-aircraft defence in the TD structure. sable and essential elements of the anti-air Taking into account the anti-aircraft de craft defence structures. fence armament of the TD and the general Regarding the assumptions for anti-air and nationwide character of the TD it can craft subunits within TDFs it is worth taking be said that the well equipped subunits of into account their specialist character and the TD along with the brigade subunits of carefully analyse: the anti-aircraft defence can create the low - the character and training place - nec est anti-aircraft defence. essary specialist training base and quali Conclusions fied staff; - the structure of subunits of the anti-air The way of conducting operations craft defence in the TDFs - size appropri by the Territorial Defence Forces does ate to designated tasks; not include the classic elements of the - action of tactics - taking into account the Land Force, i.e. attack and defence. It area of action and the area of responsi is a constant presence. Their main task bility; is to protect civilians and critical infra - armament - enabling tasks performance; structure in the designated area. This - a place and role of the TDFs anti-aircraft specifity justifies the existence of the defence in the national air defence sys tem i.e. in a layered anti-aircraft defence system;

20 http://www.defence24.com/253841,mspo-2015- 21 See: http://www.defence24.pl/501614,wojska-obro- przeciwlotniczy-piorun-z-meska, (access March 19, ny-terytorialnej-narzedzie-skutecznego-odstrasza- 2017) nia-raport, (access March 19, 2017)

71 ntl 31. ARMED FORCES, MILITRY TECHNOLOGY

- the amount of critical infrastructure in the Jacek Pająk, Środki lekkiej obrony przeciw area of operation; lotniczej w osłonie pododdziałów wojsk - a role In general air defence and civilian lądowych, science notebooks Land For protection. ces Military Academy, No. 3 (153) 2009. All of the above-mentioned factors are the B. Zdrodowski, Podstawy obrony powietrz nej, NDU, Warsaw 1998. basis for further research into anti-aircraft J. Kaczmarek, W. Łepkowski, B. Zdrowski, defence subunits in the TD structures. In its 2008, Słownik terminów w zakresie bez final conclusions, the research conducted pieczeństwa narodowego, NDU, War presents the best possible and full informa saw. tion about the organization and functioning Maciej Paszyn, Mariusz Kordowski, Woj of the air defence in the TDFs in order to ciech Zalewski, 2016, Koncepcja obrony fully guarantee that tasks are performed. terytorialnej w Polsce, Narodowe Cen trum Studiów Strategicznych, Warsaw. References Płk (rez.) dr hab. Adam Radomyski, mjr mgr inż. Witold Materlak, Quo Vadis Polska I. Legal acts: obrono powietrzna? Science notebooks Act of 16 November 2016 amending the NDU nr 1(98) 2015. Act on the General Obligation of the Re public of Poland Defence and other acts. III. Videotape: Art 3, act 3. Interview with professor Józef Marczak in the INFO program channel, https://www. II. Publication: tvp.info/27599346/chiny-i-usa-stawiaja- Rafał Ciastoń, płk (rez.) Jerzy Gruszczyń na-obrone-terytorialna-jest-niezbedna- ski, Rafał Lipka, płk (rez.) dr hab. Adam dla-bezpieczenstwa-narodowego. Radomyski, Tomasz Smura, Przyszłość Press conference of National Defence Min Sił Powietrznych i jednostek obrony po ister Antoni Macierewicz on the formation wietrznej w Siłach Zbrojnych RP, Pułaski of the Territorial Defence Forces 14 No dla obronności Polski, Warsaw 2015. vember 2016. http://www.mon.gov.pl/ak- S. Zajas, Siły Powietrzne. Dzień dzisiejszy tualnosci/artykul/najnowsze/szef-mon-o- i wyzwania przyszłości, NDU, Warsaw obronie-terytorialnej-g2016-11-14/. 2009.