WARSAW, Poland โ In a significant move aimed at bolstering its military capabilities, Polish Defense Minister Wลadysลaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced the signing of a contract for the procurement of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Polish Armed Forces. The deal, which involves the purchase of an undisclosed number of the advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), aligns with Polandโs commitment to establish a new military component known as the Drone Force, set to officially launch on January 1.
During a signing ceremony, Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed enthusiasm about the formation of the Drone Force, stating, โA few months ago, I declared the creation of the Drone Force which is now becoming a fact. Starting on Jan. 1, the Drone Force will no longer be a plan, but a real part of the Polish military.โ He emphasized the importance of the investment, mentioning that the acquisition of several MQ-9B drones will cost approximately $310 million, reflecting Polandโs dedication to securing high-quality military equipment. The minister also noted that although the Polish military is currently leasing an older version of the drone, the MQ-9A, it will transition to the more advanced MQ-9B model.
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted that this action serves not only as a substantial investment in Polandโs national security but also strengthens ties with the United States, Polandโs strategic partner. This purchase comes in the backdrop of regional security concerns, particularly due to Russiaโs ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which has prompted neighboring nations to expedite their drone acquisition initiatives.
In October 2022, the Polish Ministry of National Defence had already laid the groundwork for UAV operations by signing a contract to lease a set of MQ-9A Reaper drones for $70.6 million. This lease was instrumental in positioning the Polish Armed Forces as the first military on NATOโs eastern flank to acquire medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones.
The urgency for enhancing drone capabilities is echoed in recent statements from defense officials, who noted the need to โintensify the dronization process of the Polish military in specific areas of their use: reconnaissance, combat, and support.โ They pointed out that experience from the conflict in Ukraine underscores the effectiveness of drone operations at various command levels, suggesting that even platoon commanders could effectively utilize reconnaissance UAVs and strike capabilities against nearby targets.
Under the strategic plan, Polandโs new Drone Force will integrate a variety of unmanned systems, encompassing aerial, land, naval surface, and underwater capabilities. The projected delivery of the new MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
General Atomics, the manufacturer of the Sky Guardian drone, has equipped it with several advanced features, including the Lynx multi-mode radar, automatic takeoff and landing technology, enhanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and a wingspan measuring 79 feet (24 meters), surpassing that of its predecessors. This upgrade signifies a robust enhancement in Polandโs aerial combat and reconnaissance capabilities as the country seeks to adapt to evolving security threats in the region.
