Poland is building Europe's largest anti-drone system: Project details
In a strategic move aimed at reshaping the security landscape of the European continent, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kościaniak-Kamic announced that Warsaw is set to sign a landmark contract by the end of January to establish the largest anti-drone system in Europe . This announcement comes at a time of unprecedented geopolitical tensions in the region, prompting Poland, a prominent member of NATO and the European Union, to accelerate the fortification of its eastern borders.
Contract details and international alliance
Minister Kościjak-Kamicz confirmed that negotiations between the Polish Armaments Agency and an international consortium have been successfully concluded. This alliance was formed to address an "urgent operational need" posed by growing security challenges. While the exact investment amount for this specific contract has not been disclosed, estimates suggest that the cost of establishing the comprehensive electronic and defense shield could reach approximately two billion euros.
The minister explained in an interview with the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza that the new system will not rely on a single technology, but will encompass multiple types of weapons and defense systems, primarily supplied by domestic vendors, supported by the expertise of leading foreign companies. Among the international partners mentioned are the Norwegian company Kongsberg, as well as the American group Andorel, with whom a contract was signed last year, reflecting the diversity of technology sources to ensure the system's effectiveness.
Strategic context: “Eastern Shield” and NATO fortification
This announcement cannot be separated from the broader security context in which Poland finds itself. With borders adjacent to Ukraine, Belarus, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Warsaw finds itself on NATO’s front line. The Polish government previously launched the “Eastern Shield” (Tarcza Wschód) initiative, an ambitious plan to strengthen its physical and cyber borders to counter potential hybrid and military threats.
The importance of this anti-drone system stems from the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where drones proved to be a decisive weapon in modern warfare, both for reconnaissance and attack. Polish airspace has already witnessed several aerial incursions since the start of the conflict, making the acquisition of a sophisticated, multi-layered air defense system a top priority for Polish national security.
Defense spending and cooperation with Kyiv
Poland currently leads NATO countries in defense spending as a percentage of GDP, with Warsaw allocating nearly 5% of its GDP to bolstering its military capabilities, exceeding the alliance's target of 2%. This substantial expenditure reflects Poland's commitment not only to protecting its territory but also to playing a pivotal role in common European security.
In a related development, Warsaw continues its close cooperation with Kyiv. In addition to offering to transfer its remaining Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, Poland has expressed significant interest in acquiring Ukrainian drone technology. This industry has developed tremendously in Ukraine during the war years, making Ukrainian expertise a valuable asset that Poland seeks to leverage in building its own defense system, thus creating a defense integration between the two neighboring countries in the face of shared threats.
