Poland plans independent drone defense amid rising regional threats

Poland is rapidly advancing its own national anti-drone defense system, prioritizing domestic projects over the European Union's broader joint "drone wall" initiative, with initial capabilities expected within three months and full deployment in two years. Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk emphasized that Polish companies will secure at least half of the contracts, and the defense system will include detection, jamming, and neutralization technologies such as radar and electronic warfare components. This move follows multiple Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, including a significant September incident that exposed vulnerabilities and prompted NATO to intercept around 20 drones. Poland plans to finance the project through the EU's SAFE defense loan program, which has allocated the country a substantial portion of funding due to its strategic position bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared a firm stance on defending Polish airspace, vowing to shoot down any hostile drones and significantly increase military and intelligence funding to protect national sovereignty. While Poland supports the EU's drone wall as a complementary measure, it insists on moving independently to bolster its air defenses amid rising security threats from Russia.