Poland signs for MQ-9B SkyGuardian
The MQ-9B is an upgraded variant of the MQ-9A designed for ISR missions. (Photo: General Atomics)
The uncrewed aerial system (UAS) will replace the currently leased MQ-9A from 2027.
Poland has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronuatics Systems (GAASI) to purchase the MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAS for the Polish Army, the country’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) has announced.
The Polish Army currently leases the older MQ-9A Reaper systems but will switch over to the MQ-9B in 2027, according to the MND.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said that the purchase of the UAS was an “absolute priority” for the country.
“This is the most modern technology. We will pay about PLN1.2 billion (US$310 million). This is a serious expense, but we need to invest in the highest quality equipment,” he added.
The deal includes several MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft. Once integrated into the force, it will increase Polish Army’s capabilities to acquire reconnaissance data using electro-optic payloads and synthetic aperture radar, the MND has claimed.
The announcement was originally expected to be made towards the end of 2023 but after extensive delays has taken over a year to finalise. Although the exact number of drones in the deal was not disclosed, Shephard Defence Insight estimates that three systems will be acquired.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said: “An effective deterrence and defence policy requires investment in this type of capability. On the one hand, we have simple drones that can be mass-produced, even using 3D printers, and on the other hand, we have the most advanced drones, such as the ones we are currently buying.”
The MQ-9B recently passed its full-scale second lifetime fatigue test in October 2024 and has already totalled up a number of orders from other countries such as India, Canada and the UK.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Data Link Solutions awarded a deal worth up to $1 billion for tactical radio systems]()
Data Link Solutions awarded a deal worth up to $1 billion for tactical radio systems
The deal announced on 11 December was an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract and the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected.
-
![Slovakia eyes C-390 Millennium aircraft purchase in early 2025]()
Slovakia eyes C-390 Millennium aircraft purchase in early 2025
The Slovak Ministry of Defence (MoD) also signed a Letter of Intent with the Brazilian MoD for deeper industrial collaboration between the two nations.
-
![Kazakhstan welcomes its first A400M]()
Kazakhstan welcomes its first A400M
The A400M was handed over at a ceremony in Almaty, after a flight from Airbus’ A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain.
-
![Modified 757 aircraft planned to inform GCAP sensors and communications takes flight]()
Modified 757 aircraft planned to inform GCAP sensors and communications takes flight
The Boeing 757, dubbed Excalibur, was equipped with new side and belly pods and assessed for stability during flight. The aircraft will now undergo further engineering work at QinetiQ’s Boscombe Down facility in Wiltshire, England.
-
![Elbit to deliver EW self-protection suites for a European country’s C-390 and H225M aircraft]()
Elbit to deliver EW self-protection suites for a European country’s C-390 and H225M aircraft
The system to be installed includes a digital radar warning receiver, infra-red missile warning system, laser warning system, countermeasure dispenser system and DIRCM (Directed Infrared Countermeasure) system.
-
![German Armed Forces’ H145s get L3Harris sensor system upgrade]()
German Armed Forces’ H145s get L3Harris sensor system upgrade
L3Harris Technologies has provided its WESCAM MX-15D electro-optical/infrared sensor systems to the German Armed Forces’ new H145 helicopters.
