In a bold step toward modernizing its armed forces, Poland has officially launched what it terms a “drone revolution.” During a press conference at the Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL) in Warsaw, Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk announced a strategic transformation aimed at saturating the Polish Armed Forces with uncrewed systems. “The aggression against Ukraine changed everything,” Tomczyk said. “It showed how vital loitering munitions and unmanned platforms have become in modern conflict.”
A Dedicated Investment and a New Drone Centre
The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) pledged 200 million PLN (approximately USD 55 million) for the acquisition of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) by the end of 2025. Notably, half of the funding will be allocated to training systems. If the domestic defense industry proves capable of delivering, the budget may be doubled.
The centerpiece of this initiative is the creation of a national Drone Centre at ITWL in Warsaw, under the project codename SZERSZEŃ (“Hornet”). This new facility will be responsible for the testing, development, and operational deployment of unmanned systems across all domains—air, land, and sea. It is envisioned as a joint hub where military institutes, the armed forces, defense companies, and elite units like the Polish Cyberspace Defense Forces (WOC) will work side-by-side to bring cutting-edge UAS capabilities to frontline units.
The Centre will also serve Poland’s commitment to NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan, enabling it to test and implement dual-use innovations rapidly.
Acceleration through Legislative Reform
To expedite delivery, the MND will simplify procurement procedures. UASs that pass military testing will be procured without undergoing the traditional public procurement process, as outlined in a special legislative act currently under parliamentary review.
“This is about equipping the military not just quickly, but smartly,” said Tomczyk. “Our ambition is to make uncrewed systems standard across the Polish Armed Forces.”
Field Testing and Laboratory Infrastructure
In addition to the central Drone Centre, specialized drone laboratories are being established within selected operational, special forces, and territorial defense units. These will handle the design, modification, and repair of drones—often using advanced technologies such as 3D printing. A total of around 90 types of unmanned systems will be tested across nine military units this autumn.
According to Brigadier General Marcin Górka, these tests aim to identify future solutions while evaluating whether current equipment specifications align with the operational challenges of tomorrow.
The Role of AI and Cyber Warfare
Poland is positioning itself as a European leader in AI-driven defense capabilities. As the third military globally to establish a Centre for Artificial Intelligence Implementation (CISI), the country plans to integrate AI into all future UAS programs. The WOC will be fully operational by 2026 and play a pivotal role in developing intelligent and autonomous defense systems.
Innovation for the ‘Eastern Shield’
The broader effort supports Poland’s “Eastern Shield” national defense program. Since the beginning of 2025, the MND’s Innovation Department has received 455 technology proposals, with 100 related to unmanned systems. A dedicated working group has already selected 41 technologies for potential deployment across air, land, and maritime domains.
Signed Agreements and Research Partnerships
Four agreements and one memorandum of understanding were signed at the event, tasking leading military research institutes with advancing the tactics, techniques, and procedures for uncrewed system use. Participating institutions include:
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Military Institute of Armament Technology
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Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL)
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Military Institute of Engineering Technology
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Military Institute of Chemistry and Radiometry
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Military Institute of Armoured and Automotive Technology
These collaborations will drive Poland’s drone ecosystem forward, from design and prototyping to testing and field deployment.
Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/obrona-narodowa/rewolucja-dronowa-w-silach-zbrojnych-rp
By: Katerina Urbanová, ACE
