Set to begin operations in January 2025, Poland has signed a $310 million deal for MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones to enhance its new Drone Force.
Poland’s Defence Ministry has officially signed a contract last week to acquire an undisclosed number of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Polish Armed Forces. The total cost of this procurement is estimated at approximately $310 million. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be incorporated into the military’s newly established Drone Force, which is set to begin operations next month.
Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, stating that the creation of the Drone Force is no longer just a plan but an impending reality, announced that starting on January 1, the Drone Force will be an actual part of the Polish military at the signing ceremony.
The minister also emphasised the importance of investing in high-quality equipment, as the new drones will replace the older MQ-9A Reapers currently leased by Poland, which reinforces their cooperation with the US.
The Drone Force, as outlined by the Ministry, will integrate a wide range of unmanned systems, including aerial, land, naval surface, and underwater drones. The MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones are expected to be delivered to the Polish military by the first quarter of 2027.
The Sky Guardian drones feature several advanced technologies, including the Lynx multi-mode radar, automatic take-off and landing capabilities, and an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor. Additionally, it boasts a wingspan of 79 feet (24 metres), which is longer than its predecessor.
In October 2022, Poland entered into a $70.6 million agreement to lease MQ-9A drones from General Atomics. This made Poland the first NATO member on the eastern flank to acquire medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has accelerated the demand for UAVs among regional allies, with many nations, including Poland, advancing their plans for drone acquisition.
Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has previously indicated that drones would play a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of its military, particularly in reconnaissance, combat, and support functions.
A spokesperson mentioned that drones would be deployed even at lower levels of command, enabling smaller units, such as platoons, to access UAVs for tactical support, including striking targets or using “kamikaze” drones.
