The "largest and most expensive" drone for the Polish army. We know when he will arrive

In January (...) we will have the opportunity to welcome the first Reaper to the Polish Army - said the head of the Ministry of National Defense during his visit to Mirosławiec.

Three new machines for the army

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a developed version of the previously used MQ-9 Reaper drone. The contract for the delivery of three such unmanned aerial vehicles was signed by the Ministry of National Defense in December 2024. The value of the contract is USD 310 million.

The new machines are to replace the MQ-9A Reaper, which the Polish army has been using on a leasing basis since February 2023. Currently, they are also stationed in Mirosławiec.

The Minister informed that approximately PLN 1 billion has so far been allocated for the expansion of the infrastructure of the 12th BBSP. Another approximately PLN 900 million is to be spent on a logistics center for MQ-9B drones.

Drones, AI and precision strikes

Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out that spending on unmanned systems has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, they amounted to approximately PLN 100 million annually, while in 2026, PLN 26 billion was allocated for drones and anti-drone systems. The head of the Ministry of National Defense linked this change to the conclusions drawn from the war in Ukraine.

Today, there is no way that drones would not be present in any unit, he emphasized.

According to the minister, the three most important areas of military modernization in the coming years will be drone and anti-drone systems, artificial intelligence and the ability to perform long-range, precise and relatively cheap strikes.

Training of future operators

The Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the growing demand for personnel specialized in operating unmanned aerial vehicles. He informed that after the pilot in 16 voivodeships is completed, drone operation classes will be conducted in all classes and military training units from September next year.

An army of drones is needed, and for this we need an army of drone pilots, an army of instructors who will be able to train and be on full readiness - noted Kosiniak-Kamysz.

12. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base. Brig. Gen. saw Jerzy Piłat is responsible, among others, for: for image and electronic reconnaissance and precise destruction of ground and surface targets. The unit, subordinated to the Commander of the 1st Tactical Aviation Wing, was established on January 1, 2016.