Poland has announced a 200-million-zloty ($55 million) investment this year for drone procurement and unveiled a series of measures aimed at making drones a central element of its defense strategy.
“We are embarking on a drone revolution. The Polish Armed Forces are entering a new era in which the mass deployment of unmanned systems will become one of the main pillars of our defense,” said Cezary Tomczyk, Secretary of State for the Ministry of National Defense.
Tomczyk noted that the budget could double if local industry is ready to meet the demand.
Warsaw also aims to simplify procurement with a proposed measure under parliamentary review, which would allow the military to acquire tested drones without going through the standard public procurement processes.
Boosting Drone Capabilities
The effort to enhance Poland’s drone capabilities involves a range of initiatives designed to advance development, testing, and operational use across the military.
Announced plans include the establishment of a new Drone Center at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
The facility will oversee the testing, development, and deployment of various unmanned systems across domains, including mini-drones capable of launching munitions.
Additionally, drone laboratories are being established in selected operational units to handle drone design, assembly, modification, and maintenance using 3D printing technology.
These efforts align with an initiative Poland launched earlier this year to gather technological proposals in support of its “East Shield” deterrence program.
So far, 455 proposals have been submitted, including 100 related to unmanned weapon systems.
A military review identified 41 entities developing drones suitable for land, air, and maritime operations.
The systems will be tested across nine designated units, with deliveries to soldiers set to begin in late September or early October.
