New UAVs for the Polish Armed Forces. Polish MoD Makes a Decision

In response to questions from Defence24.pl, the MoD confirmed that a contract for the delivery of the first batch of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones was signed under the Zefir programme, which forms part of the Technical Modernization Plan. „Further orders are planned,” the MoD’s Department of Communications and Promotion emphasizes. It adds that more detailed information is classified.   

In December 2024, the Armament Agency signed a contract for the delivery of the first set of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. At a net price of approximately USD 310 million (just over USD 1.15 billion at today’s exchange rate), the Polish Armed Forces will receive several (most likely three) unmanned aerial vehicles along with a comprehensive ground-support equipment package.

By design, they are to serve primarily in a reconnaissance role, gathering intelligence via electro-optical sensors, SAR radar, and electronic-intelligence (SIGINT) payloads. They can also engage targets from the air with guided missiles and bombs, although in an active conflict such missions would expose them heavily to enemy air-defence systems and fighters. The contract is to be fulfilled by the first quarter of 2027, with General Atomics—the system’s manufacturer—serving as the contractor.

Since 2023, the Polish Armed Forces have operated the MQ-9A Reaper system leased from the United States, under an October 2022 agreement. Reapers are generally tasked with operational-level reconnaissance. In its new MQ-9B version, the system can conduct missions lasting over 40 hours, at altitudes up to 12 km and speeds up to about 390 km/h. Its maximum range exceeds 6,000 nautical miles (over 11,000 km), making it ideal for prolonged sorties.   

The MoD has already performed an analysis and, the ministry reports, the acquisition of the MQ-9B in its maritime SeaGuardian variant „is one of the options under consideration.” Further details on this remain classified. The SeaGuardian is specifically configured for naval missions: it can deploy sonobuoys, detect surface vessels with specialized sensors—including a 360° maritime-surveillance radar—and could take over many tasks traditionally carried out by crewed maritime patrol aircraft, especially long-endurance missions over the sea. General Atomics has also announced ongoing work to arm the SeaGuardian with a laser-based weapon system.