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.
Poland 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,” he added. “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.”
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 has estimated that three systems would 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.
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