Poland to Create “Drone Army” Consisting of Unmanned Aerial, Ground and Maritime Systems

Poland has announced the creation of a new "drone army" consisting of unmanned aerial, ground, surface, and underwater systems, as part of a broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and strengthen national defense capabilities.

The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a visit to the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Warsaw-Wesoła. Joined by senior ministry officials and military commanders, the minister described the drone initiative as “one of the most important matters in the history of the Polish Army.”

“There will be no safe Poland without an army of drones: those that fly, those that move on water, under water, and land,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “In all domains, in all units, every soldier of the Polish Army will have contact with drones. This is our ambition. This is our goal.”

As part of the effort, a new Unmanned Weapons Systems Component (BSU) began operations on January 1, 2025, under the command of Brig. Gen. Mirosław Bodnar. The initiative includes a dedicated Inspectorate of Unmanned Weapons Systems within the General Command of the Armed Forces.

During Thursday’s event, the Ministry of National Defense hosted around 40 Polish companies that design and manufacture unmanned systems. Attendees included defense officials, military personnel, and private and state-sector representatives. Both static and live demonstrations showcased the latest tactical drone applications, including surveillance, strike, kamikaze, and reconnaissance systems.

“For the first time in the history of our army, we invited all these companies,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “This is part of our grand strategy: building an army consisting of hundreds of thousands of drones and the ability to produce millions.”

The Polish government emphasized the importance of domestic industry in sustaining the drone initiative. Officials highlighted the need for technological self-reliance and rapid innovation in response to lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have played a major role.

Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk stressed that Poland's approach is focused on maintaining supply chains within the country.

“The trick is to buy wisely,” Tomczyk said. “If we do not develop the Polish arms industry, then at the moment of threat we will find ourselves in a very difficult situation.”

Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda added that the new drone force spans all military branches and environments.

“These drones concern all types of troops—everything that swims under water, on water, drives on the surface of the earth, but also flies,” said Bejda.

In support of the drone strategy, the armed forces have begun equipping units with 3D printers to aid in design and local production. Military personnel with drone expertise are already forming teams to develop, operate, and train with these systems.