Polish Defence Ministry details preparations against Russian drone threats - EXCLUSIVE
Recent incidents of repeated violations of Polish airspace by drone-type objects during Russian attacks on Ukraine have prompted questions about Poland’s response and air defense readiness.
In an exclusive interview with CE Report, the Ministry of National Defence of Poland provided the following statement:
"The investigation is ongoing. At this stage, it is too early to provide details regarding the violation of Polish airspace."
According to the Ministry, in response to the escalation of actions targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces has activated the measures prescribed by procedures: the readiness of air defense components has been increased, on-duty aircraft have been mobilized, and ground-based anti-aircraft and radar reconnaissance systems have been maintained at the highest level of readiness.
"This is a coordinated, continuous effort by the Air Force, anti-aircraft systems, radio engineering units, and command and control centers, conducted in close cooperation with the joint NATO Air Force Command within the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System (NATINAMDS) under the constant supervision of the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces. The Polish Army is constantly monitoring the situation, remains in constant readiness to ensure the security of Polish airspace, and takes appropriate action whenever the security of the Republic of Poland and allied airspace so requires".
The Ministry also confirmed that dedicated procurement procedures are underway.
"The scope and functionality of these systems are continually adapted to current and projected threats – this is an extremely dynamic area requiring continuous modernization. Therefore, we are developing systems to counter them, utilizing not only jamming devices but also kinetic effectors (artillery, missile, laser and microwave systems, interceptor drones, etc.)"
A comprehensive counter-drone system is being built, optimized for evolving threats, the Ministry added.
"We are accelerating the construction of the East Shield and allocating PLN 26 billion ($7.15 billion) under the National Reconstruction Plan to strengthen defense and resilience. We have purchased Barbara aerostats, which can detect even small objects moving from the ground to an altitude of several thousand meters – they will be at the Armed Forces' disposal next year. We are increasing our detection and identification capabilities, including the capabilities of our radar systems – PLN 2 billion ($550 million) for passive radars, sonic reconnaissance, and a program related to detecting and interacting with unmanned aerial vehicles".
The Ministry highlighted that drones violating NATO airspace operate at very low altitudes and low speeds, making it difficult for traditional radar and anti-aircraft systems to detect them.
"This is a challenge faced by all modern armies. Therefore, investing in specialized counter-drone systems and allied cooperation are crucial. The purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters, proven in other armies worldwide, equipped with advanced systems for detecting and tracking drones, was also crucial for developing counter-drone capabilities".
Finally, the Ministry stressed that its primary goal is the security of Poland and the safety of its citizens.
"It's not about shooting down or destroying objects violating Polish airspace at all costs, as we operate in peacetime – using peacetime procedures, not wartime ones"
Photo: Wikipedia
This interview was prepared by Abdul Karimkhanov
