Cezary Tomczyk, Polish Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defence, has signed a decision regarding the testing of uncrewed aerial vehicles, uncrewed weapon systems, and countermeasures within the Polish Armed Forces. The new regulations are designed to ensure that the military can acquire the latest drone and counter-drone solutions much faster.
“This month, as previously announced, the latest solutions on the market – currently nearing the end of testing as part of the “Iron Defender 25″ exercise – will be delivered to the Polish Army,” Tomczyk said. “In the face of growing threats, we are simplifying the system for acquiring innovative technologies for the military. This gives Poland real capabilities to effectively respond to modern challenges.”
The new ministerial act consolidates previously fragmented competencies in the area of drone and counter-drone equipment testing. Among other measures, the new arrangement means tests will be carried out by organisational units of the Polish Ministry of National Defence; manufacturers and suppliers will undergo simplified counterintelligence verification; and coordination will be handled by the Inspectorate of Unmanned Troops of Weapon Systems of the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
Over 500 proposals have been submitted for innovative projects supporting the construction of Poland’s East Shield, nearly 40 of which were tested during this September’s Iron Defender 25 exercise. These included uncrewed ground and air systems, as well as radars, detectors and other solutions that enhance situational awareness.
Counter-drone systems and air defence have been the Polish military’s zeitgeist even before hostile drones were detected in its airspace on the night of September 9/10. The Polish Army’s WISŁA programme is creating a multi-layered air defence system that is compatible with NATO technologies. On September 24, a contract for the supply Mobile Communication Nodes (MCC) for the needs of the second phase of the WISŁA programme was signed. The PLN 2 billion contract between the State Treasury – Armaments Agency and Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 SA (Military Communication Works No. 1 SA) covers the delivery of 56 MCCs between 2027 and 2030, along with a logistics and training package.
Announcing the contract, Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said that “more and more money will be transferred to companies for the purchase of drone and anti-drone systems, anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems.”
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Image: Ministry of National Defence – Poland
