East Front News #25: Poland Orders Armored Vehicles and Rifles, Strategic Continuity, New Drone Capabilities

Prime Minister Tusk Visits Lviv

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, arrived in Lviv on Tuesday, December 17, where he met  the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky. During his visit to Lviv, Tusk emphasized that Russian aggression against Ukraine is crucial not only for Ukraine’s fate but also for the future of Poland and the entirety of Europe. The meeting with the Ukrainian head of state took place in the context of the ongoing Russian invasion and the growing cooperation between the two countries in combating the threat. During a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed profound gratitude to Poland for the multidimensional support Ukraine has been receiving since the first days of the war. The Ukrainian president highlighted that military, political, and humanitarian aid from Warsaw plays a fundamental role in strengthening Ukraine’s defense.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s commitment to further developing relations with Poland, particularly in the strategic context of Kyiv’s aspirations for NATO and European Union membership. Donald Tusk remarked that Poland understands the tragedy of Russian aggression very well, as it is also a border state that experiences Russian influence through hybrid actions. „The war in Ukraine is also a game for the future of our region; it is a matter of the security of all of Europe,” Tusk emphasized. He added that Ukraine’s success in this war would be synonymous with maintaining peace and stability in Poland. During the visit, Donald Tusk assured Poland’s full support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.

He expressed his belief that, in the current situation, it is necessary to accelerate the integration process not only to support Ukraine but also to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank and increase Europe’s resilience to destabilizing actions by the Kremlin. Tusk emphasized that during Poland’s presidency of the EU Council, all efforts would be made to speed up Ukraine’s accession process. Summing up his speech, Tusk underlined that the war in Ukraine is not merely a local conflict but an event of global significance. The success of Ukraine’s defense against Russia will be crucial for the region’s future and Europe’s global standing. The shared history of Poland and Ukraine, though complex, forms a foundation for building even stronger cooperation in the spirit of solidarity and understanding.

Polish Wisła Air Defence System Reaches Initial Operational Readiness

The 37th Air Defence Missile Squadron, part of the 3rd Warsaw Air Defence Missile Brigade, has achieved initial operational readiness (IOR) with the Wisła system, the latest version of the Patriot air defense system.

On Wednesday, the Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced that he had received a report confirming the initial readiness of the Wisła system and its integration with the IBCS (Integrated Battle Command System).

„This is a historic moment for the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. We are here today to announce a milestone in building our air defence system. Moments ago, I received a report confirming the initial readiness of the Wisła system elements and their integration with the IBCS. This took place here in Sochaczew, within the 3rd Air Defence Missile Brigade, the unit dedicated to achieving this readiness. Everyone should witness how well-trained and prepared our military is. No modern system will function without properly trained personnel, and we have such people in the Polish Armed Forces,” the minister said.

80 New Rosomaks: Agreement Signed with an Option for More

On Tuesday at the headquarters of the Polish Ministry of Defence, a contract was signed for the delivery of new Rosomak wheeled armored personnel carriers (KTO) for the Polish Armed Forces, with an option to extend the order in the future.

On Monday afternoon, the Ministry of National Defence announced plans to acquire dozens of brand-new Rosomak-L armored personnel carriers, equipped with the ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret system.

Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armament Agency, signed an executive contract on behalf of the State Treasury for the delivery of 80 Rosomak-L units to the Land Forces. The contractors are Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. (leader of the ZSSW-30 consortium, also including WB Electronics) and Rosomak S.A. (chassis supplier). The contract is valued at PLN 4.3 billion. Along with the vehicles, the military will receive logistics and training packages.

Deliveries of the modified Rosomak variant are scheduled for 2027–2028, an exceptionally quick timeline for the domestic defense industry.

One Year of Tusk Goverment. Continuity Maintained in Defence

It has been a year since the coalition government was formed and the Ministry of Defence was taken over by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the leader of PSL. The Ministry of Defence (MON) continues modernization programmes initiated by the previous administration, and the military remains engaged in supporting border services on the eastern frontier. The ministry has also dissolved the Smolensk Subcommittee.

This continuity is highly praised by retired Brigadier General Stanisław Koziej, former head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) and deputy defence minister, now an academic lecturer. He notes, however, that procurement should be reviewed regarding the volume of orders, and plans should be adjusted if necessary. He highlights the cessation of using the military for partisan politics and improved relations between the MoD and the president’s BBN as significant positives. The lack of updated strategic documents, however, is a notable shortfall.

Poland May Enhance ZSSW-30 Turrets Manufacturing

The ZSSW-30 unmanned turrets are already being procured by the Ministry of National Defence (MON). According to representatives of WB Group, a member of the consortium manufacturing these turrets, if more vehicles intended to mount them were ordered, the scale of these procurements could significantly increase. Currently, the consortium is awaiting orders for additional Rosomak vehicles, which will be equipped with ZSSW-30 turrets, as well as the first order for the Borsuk tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).

The former is expected to create demand for at least several dozen new turrets, potentially rising to several hundred. Meanwhile, the initial order for the Borsuk IFV is anticipated to include over 100 vehicles under the first executive agreement (the framework agreement envisions 1,014 Borsuk IFVs). This will likely cover two battalions (58 + 58 vehicles) plus some additional units for training purposes. Adam Bartosiewicz, Vice President of WB Group, revealed that ZSSW-30 turrets are currently being produced at a rate of approximately five units per month. He characterized this as a high production rate compared to similar projects worldwide. However, this equates to an annual output of 60 turrets, sufficient to equip one mechanized battalion plus two extra vehicles.

Upgrade of C-295M transport aircraft

At Airbus« facility in Okęcie, a contract was signed for the MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) of the C-295M light transport aircraft. The contract covers modernization work on 16 aircraft, valued at EUR 102.7 million. The upgrades shall be carried out between 2025 and 2033. This agreement will enable, among other improvements, equipping the C-295M transport fleet with modern avionics systems and enhancing their operational capabilities.

A Significant purchase of small arms

Yesterday, 19 December 2024, a contract was signed between the Armament Agency, representing the State Treasury, and Fabryka Broni „Łucznik” – Radom Sp. z o.o. The contract covers the purchase of MSBS Grot C16 FB-A2 rifles, VIS pistols, and 40mm underslung grenade launchers for the MSBS Grot rifle. The total value of the contract exceeds PLN 1 billion gross, with execution planned for 2026–2029, encompassing both guaranteed and optional procurement phases.

Will Poland Export License-Produced Guided Rockets?

By 2029, a Polish munitions factory for the Homar-K system is expected to be operational. This joint Polish-Korean venture aims to meet domestic needs while also targeting export markets.

Polish ammunition plants, which will produce rockets for the Chunmoo (Homar-K) system, are set to be established by 2029 as part of a joint venture between Poland’s WB Group and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, according to WB Group CEO Piotr Wojciechowski. He made the announcement during a press briefing at the company’s headquarters in Warsaw. The formal agreement for this collaboration was signed at the KADEX (Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition) on 2nd October, 2024. The entire project will be financed by WB Group’s own resources, though it will include „significant Korean contributions.” Bilateral negotiations are currently underway to finalize the details of the partnership, with an expected conclusion in June or July 2025.

Poland Develops Gladius UAV System

The Gladius strike-and-reconnaissance system has been enhanced with the addition of the Mobile Analysis Station, considered the core of the Gladius system. The FT-5 reconnaissance drone is also undergoing further development. In collaboration with Polish universities, a unique Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) has been developed for the FT-5. This radar is lightweight, with a mass 50% lower than competing solutions. It is also compact when it comes to its form factor, tailored specifically for the FT-5’s capabilities.

The FT-5 electronic reconnaissance (ELINT) version was also unveiled. This version has slightly lower technical parameters compared to the FT-5 SAR, as it uses an electric propulsion system (whereas the FT-5 SAR features hybrid propulsion). However, this UAV excels at detecting and processing enemy radio transmissions on board and can quickly provide location information to artillery batteries. This enables swift targeting and firing on the enemy before they can change their transmission position.

Assassination of General Igor Kirillov

On 17 December in the Russian capital, Russian General Igor Kirillov, who had commanded the Russian army’s radiological, chemical and biological defence forces since 2017, was killed in an attack conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). In a press note dated the day before the officer’s death, the SBU announced that General Kirillov was under investigation for the »indiscriminate use of prohibited chemical weapons against defence forces on the eastern and southern fronts of Ukraine«. According to sources, since the beginning of February 2022, there have been more than 4,800 cases of use of chemical munitions by the Russian side.

In a press release on 8 October announcing their entry into force, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also accused him of being one of the main leaders of »Kremlin disinformation«. Interestingly, a few days before the attack, Kirillov had accused Ukrainian forces of using Western chemical weapons in Sudja, in Russia’s Kursk region. In addition, he signalled about the activities of foreign laboratories allegedly spreading infectious diseases in Russia.

Kirillov has in the past accused the United States of setting up laboratory training grounds in Ukraine to test means of treating and preventing coronavirus. A few months after his appointment as head of the Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Force, the general accused Washington of setting up a network of twin laboratories across the borders of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China to create secret bacteriological weapons.

From 2022 onwards, Kirillov’s activities focused on maximising propaganda efforts for domestic benefit. The Kremlin promoted false narratives to the Russian public to justify Moscow’s interventionist actions to defend Russian citizens »against foreign enemies«. 

The War for the Sahel (REPORT)

The Sahel is Africa’s Achilles« heel today. As the region grapples with numerous crises—ranging from the alarming intensification of jihadist insurgencies, ongoing political instability fueled by coups, illegal migration, to increasing environmental degradation—the need for comprehensive international engagement has never been more urgent. Across Africa, peace is becoming increasingly elusive, evidenced by the presence of UN peacekeeping forces, foreign militaries, private firms, and mercenaries. Military juntas, unable to govern effectively and maintain peace and security, have become the greatest concern for many Africans, significantly hindering any prospects for development. A decisive reassessment of strategies by leading organizations, particularly the European Union and NATO, is now essential to stabilize the region and prevent further disintegration. The conflict over the Sahel will have global ramifications and is already impacting NATO’s southern and eastern flanks. The report „The War for the Sahel” can be  downloaded here

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.

Aleksander Olech, PhD & Jakub Palowski, Deputy Ed. in Chief, Michał Górski