The first Bayraktar drones in the Polish army have been delivered to the 12th Unmanned Aircraft Base in Mirosławiec. “There is no modern army without modern drones”, said Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak during the ceremony of handing over Turkish unmanned aircraft to Polish soldiers.

“The first Bayraktars are already at the 12th base and the soldiers who took the course in Turkey are trained. They are motivated to guard the security of the Republic of Poland”, said the Minister of National Defence

According to the head of the defence ministry, the introduction of Bayraktars into service in the Polish army is an important stage in the process of its modernisation.

“There is no modern army without drones. In the case of Bayraktars – they are drones that on the one hand will perform reconnaissance missions, and on the other hand are ready to perform strike missions as well. Our defence capabilities are increasing”, emphasised Minister Blaszczak.

Bayraktar TB2 unmanned drones have arrived in Mirosławiec along with three mobile control stations, radars, simulators and spare parts packages. The equipment deliveries are accompanied by training and logistical support. The transfer of the technology necessary for the engines, ground control stations and cameras to be repaired in Poland is also foreseen.

The TB2 is designed for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks and combat missions, which are supported by guided missiles carried on four suspension points under the wings. TB2s for Poland are equipped with MAM-L and MAM-C laser-guided glide missiles, also of Turkish production. The aircraft are equipped with an avionics system that allows fully autonomous taxiing, take-off, flight and landing.

Worth nearly $270 million contract was signed in May 2021 during a visit to Turkey by President Andrzej Duda, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2024.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński