Poland will begin building its own national anti-drone defense system within months, opting not to wait for the European Union’s broader “drone wall” project, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said in an interview with Bloomberg.
“We agree with the idea of strengthening airspace defense over the entire territory of the European Union and are ready to consider external proposals or solutions. But we give priority to national projects,” Tomczyk said.
He added that while Poland supports the EU’s joint defense efforts, its own system will come first, with the European “drone wall” expected to “supplement” the Polish network in the future. “If there are any external tools, we will use them to the fullest,” he noted.
The Defense Ministry plans to announce investments later this month in technologies designed to detect, jam, and neutralize hostile drones as part of a broader air defense modernization program. While Tomczyk did not disclose the total cost, he said Polish companies are expected to receive at least half of the contracts.
According to the deputy minister, the first elements of the new system could become operational within three months of the announcement, with full completion targeted within two years.
Tomczyk described the initiative as “another layer” of Poland’s multi-tiered air defense network, complementing existing long- and medium-range systems already deployed to counter aircraft, missiles and drones.
The move follows the European Union’s September decision to establish a coordinated defense framework along its eastern flank, consisting of ground, drone and sea “walls.” The plan prioritizes improved detection, tracking and interception of unmanned systems amid growing aerial threats linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The urgency of strengthening Poland’s air defenses intensified after Russian drones violated Polish airspace on the night of September 10 during attacks on Ukraine, the first confirmed incident in which Polish aircraft shot down drones over its territory.
ПОВ'ЯЗАНОГО З ЦИМ КОНТЕНТУ: Poland requests Article 4 activation after shooting down Russian drones
Post Image Credit: Jerry Kavan через Unsplash
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