Poland to Deploy 96 'Tarantula' Robots in New Unmanned Troop Units

Poland has signed a contract to acquire 96 mobile unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, known as "Tarantulas," with an option to increase the order to 130 units.

The agreement, valued at approximately PLN 50 million ($13 million), was signed on March 7 in Warsaw in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The vehicles will be delivered between 2026 and 2027 by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Industrial Institute for Automation and Measurements (PIAP).

Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the strategic importance of the contract, citing the need to invest in unmanned systems and strengthen Poland’s domestic arms industry. He also mentioned the possibility of securing European Union funding to support production lines and advance military technology.

The agreement supports the newly established unmanned troops within Poland’s armed forces. Since January 1, these units have been integrated across all five branches of the military.

In addition to the vehicles, PIAP will provide 10 maintenance and repair kits, as well as vehicle testing and operator training. The vehicles are designed to conduct reconnaissance in areas inaccessible to humans, transmitting real-time audio and video data to operators.

The mobile unmanned reconnaissance vehicles (MRVs) can operate across various terrains, including urban environments, and are capable of overcoming obstacles such as rubble, stairs, and curbs. They can be transported in military vehicles or carried by a single soldier.