Poland has officially committed to a $310 million purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from General Atomics, with the signing ceremony conducted on December 12 by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense.
This marks Poland’s first purchase of the SkyGuardian, which is an advanced version of the Reaper drone. However, the country has been utilizing similar unmanned aerial vehicles since February 2023, following a $70.6 million lease agreement for MQ-9A Reapers.
While the exact number of drones in this latest purchase was not initially disclosed, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) later confirmed the acquisition includes three MQ-9Bs and two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), along with three years of SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions. Kosiniak-Kamysz acknowledged the significant expense, stating, “We are investing in the highest quality equipment.” He added that Poland expects deliveries by the first quarter of 2027 but hopes for an earlier timeline, depending on coordination with their partners.
A representative from GA-ASI noted that delivery could potentially be expedited since one of the SkyGuardians intended for Poland is nearing completion at their San Diego facility. Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that this procurement is not just about enhancing military capabilities but also about strengthening economic ties with the United States while enhancing Poland’s security posture.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian system, equipped with advanced optoelectronic and synthetic aperture radar payloads, will bolster Poland’s imagery intelligence and signals intelligence capabilities. Noteworthy features of the SkyGuardian include auto-takeoff and landing under SATCOM-only control and operational functionality in unsegregated airspace.
According to GA-ASI, the MQ-9B has garnered interest from multiple countries, with contracts also signed with nations such as Belgium, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of Special Operations Command.
This purchase follows Kosiniak-Kamysz’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of a “Drone Force” in Poland, inspired by Ukraine’s development of similar capabilities. He stated, “From January 1, 2025, drone forces will no longer be a plan, but a real part of the Polish Army. Building drone forces is an absolute priority for us.” He further emphasized the need for diverse capabilities within drone forces, ranging from mass-produced basic drones to high-tech models like the SkyGuardian.
