Poland has fast tracked air defence upgrades after a Russian drone incursion exposed vulnerabilities from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.
Poland has placed a major order for drone defence systems from Norwegian defence company Kongsberg Gruppen as it steps up efforts to strengthen air defences along NATO’s eastern flank. Kongsberg said it had secured a 16 billion crown deal, valued at about $1.67 billion, to supply counter unmanned aerial systems to Poland.
The purchase follows heightened security concerns after a Russian drone incursion in September exposed Poland’s vulnerability to spillover from the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Speaking at a conference, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland was bearing significant responsibility for safeguarding the eastern border of Poland, Europe and NATO.
The contract forms part of Poland’s wider East Shield initiative to reinforce defences along NATO’s eastern frontier and will be financed through the European Union’s SAFE programme. Kongsberg said the agreement, signed in partnership with state owned defence group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, includes the delivery of 18 counter unmanned aerial system batteries.
Under the deal, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa will act as the main contractor, while Kongsberg and Gdynia based APS will play key roles in the programme. Polish deputy defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said on social media that the total value of the programme would amount to 15 billion zlotys, or about $4.24 billion.
Kongsberg said it would invest in expanding its production capacity in Poland following the order. The system will include radars to detect hostile targets along with several types of effectors designed to neutralise enemy drones, strengthening Poland’s air defence network and anti drone shield.
