Drones and counter-drone systems are among the key priorities of the Polish Armed Forces Development Program for 2025–2039, a classified document signed by Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on 22 December. Unmanned aerial vehicles are being used on a massive scale by both sides in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. “On the modern battlefield, there is no engagement without drones,” representatives of the Armed Forces stress.
“The change in the geometry of the battlefield in Ukraine shows that one of the major challenges is fighting drones. They have become so widespread that, in practice, there is no longer a direct line of contact—there is a ‘death zone’ stretching 10 to 15 kilometers. Drones also operate deep in the enemy’s rear, as well as over our own territory, and this is one of the most pressing challenges we are trying to address as quickly as possible,” says Lt. Gen. Piotr Błazeusz, Strategic Adviser to the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, in an interview with Newseria.
According to analysts at the Polish Development Fund (PFR), as cited in the report “The Production Potential of Polish Startups in the Field of Unmanned Vehicles”, around 200,000 drones per month were being produced for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the second half of 2025.
“In Ukraine, counter-drone systems are extremely important and are used every day. On the modern battlefield, there is no skirmish without drones—used for reconnaissance, attack, destruction, and countering one another, from the smallest units to operational and strategic platforms capable of striking refineries and critical infrastructure,” says Maj. Gen. (pilot) Ireneusz Starzyński, First Deputy Commander of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces. “Drones are used by both sides. We see major fires at refineries in Russia, losses on the Ukrainian side, and disruptions to electricity supplies. We must do everything possible to be ready for such threats and to counter them.”
Russian drones violated Polish airspace on the night of 9–10 September. Similar incidents have occurred in other EU and NATO member states, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania, as well as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In response, initiatives such as Eastern Flank Watch have been launched, under which Poland is receiving funding for rapid-response systems for crisis situations.
“According to our military classification, we divide drones into three classes,” explains Maj. Gen. Starzyński. “The first includes small quadcopters and other lightweight rotary-wing drones carrying cameras and sensors, which can be purchased commercially. The second class consists of larger drones, and the third includes systems that fly high and far, also equipped with sensors and weapons. Each type can pose a threat, starting with the smallest ones. Recent events in European countries—where airports were shut down due to such objects—are a good example. What entered Polish airspace would be classified as a second-class drone: capable of traveling considerable distances, lightweight, but able to carry a small explosive payload.”
In September 2025, the Ministry of National Defence decided to simplify procedures for acquiring innovative technologies for the military. This has also facilitated investment in drones and drone systems and their integration into the Polish Armed Forces. Recent weeks have seen a series of contracts in this area.
On 7 November 2025, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on the X platform that U.S. MEROPS counter-drone systems had arrived in Poland and would be deployed on NATO’s eastern flank. These modern systems are designed for the kinetic neutralization of hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. Also in November, a capability demonstration took place at the Nowa Dęba training ground, marking the final stage of training for Polish soldiers who will undergo certification. In December 2025, the Armaments Agency signed a contract with WB Electronics for the purchase of 36 WARMATE loitering munition systems, each comprising ten combat platforms. Additionally, under an agreement concluded in May, more than 900 such systems are to be delivered to the armed forces by the end of 2035. December also saw the signing of a contract with ASELSAN Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret for the delivery of an Automated Reconnaissance and Jamming System, designed for electronic warfare capable of disrupting the use of drones and precision munitions. The defence minister emphasized that the deal with the Turkish manufacturer is intended as a prelude to a major counter-drone defence contract under the SAN program, which is currently in preparation.
“Procurement, training, and deployment are ongoing. With each passing week and month, we will have more systems, we will train our soldiers and operators, and we will become increasingly effective in countering these types of threats,” stresses Maj. Gen. Starzyński.
Training in drone operation and piloting has also entered Polish upper-secondary schools. In October, a pilot program of the Ministry of Defence titled ‘OPW with a Drone’ was launched in 16 schools, under which both teachers and students can obtain official drone pilot certifications. Students will train at three levels—from basic to advanced—so that upon completing the program they are prepared for further skills development and work with military unmanned systems. The program will run until mid-2027 and is expected to eventually cover up to 500 secondary schools across Poland.
“The introduction of new military equipment always comes with certain challenges. Ukraine shows, however, that it is possible to deploy vast quantities of different types of military equipment and ensure their full life cycle,” says Lt. Gen. Błazeusz. “It is not easy; in Ukraine’s case, it also required the use of artificial intelligence to predict maintenance intervals, ensure adequate supplies of ammunition, and manage spare parts.”
Ukraine is placing strong emphasis on the digitalization of its armed forces. As Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal noted at the Digital Defence Forum held on 8 December 2025, an IT branch is currently being built that will include more than 7,000 digital officers, supporting digital transformation in every unit. During the event, the minister also presented operational results from the DELTA combat system, which is based on artificial intelligence technology. Thanks to this system, Ukrainian soldiers reportedly strike more than 2,000 enemy targets per day.
“The introduction of new equipment also drives innovation, including 3D printing, which significantly reduces logistical requirements. Many components can be produced directly on the battlefield,” adds Lt. Gen. Błazeusz. “For us, this is also a challenge. The threat is real, and we do not have the luxury of implementing these solutions through the normal process that takes many years. We must significantly shorten this timeline—and that is happening. We need new equipment, because a certain amount has also been donated to the fighting Ukrainian forces, and now we are trying to replace it as quickly as possible with modern systems or so-called bridging capabilities.”
The introduction of new equipment and innovations also creates a need for training and for raising soldiers’ skill levels.
“Soldiers approach the acquisition of new military equipment and capabilities with great enthusiasm. What we are introducing has far greater combat potential than the older, post-Soviet equipment. Soldiers are highly engaged and want to train on this equipment as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. This process is ongoing,” concludes Lt. Gen. Piotr Błazeusz.
