Poland seeks missiles for its MiG-29 fighters

WARSAW, Poland, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Poland has reportedly begun the process to obtain 40 radar-guided R-27R1 missiles, the main armament on Poland 's Soviet-era MiG-29 fighters.

Polish news site Defence24 says the acquisition process is being conducted by the Ministry of National Defense's Armament Inspectorate.

The missiles obtained should be guaranteed by the manufacturer to be usable for at least 96 months if delivered in a hermetically sealed condition and for another 60 months once unpacked.

According to the news site, the missiles will be acquired in line with Poland's Public Procurement Law, which means the missiles must come from companies located within the European Union, European Economic Area or within the territory of a country with which the Polish, or the EU authorities, concluded an agreement regarding defense and security equipment procurement.

The Armament Inspectorate said contractors from Ukraine may also submit offers.

Ukraine offers R-27R1 missiles and derivative missiles.

The R-27R1 is a semi-active, radar-guided weapon used against airborne targets. It requires the launch aircraft to track the target with its radar once the missile is fired.

No information was given as to a planned procurement date.