The contract, signed on Wednesday, encompasses the immediate delivery of seven systems, totaling 28 drones, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that this was just the beginning of a larger plan to incorporate into the army's assets 400 FlyEye systems, with a total of 1,600 drones, over the coming years.
These systems are expected to primarily aid with reconnaissance missions, a critical element in military planning and operations.
"Reconnaissance is the foundation of good planning," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. "FlyEye will serve to enhance the reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish military to the highest standards."
He emphasized that the FlyEye systems have proven their worth in the war in Ukraine.
"Unmanned aerial vehicles are the future of armies," said Kosiniak-Kamysz. "That is why we have also decided that the drone component is our priority ... We will strongly focus on this type of armament and implement all the experiences that come from the war in Ukraine."
The introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a broader shift in military operations, as evidenced by their effectiveness on the Ukrainian battlefield, according to the Polish defense ministry.
Kosiniak-Kamysz declared: "Unmanned aerial vehicles are the future of armies. Thus, we have decided to prioritize the drone component ... heavily investing in this type of armament and implementing all lessons learned from the war in Ukraine."
The FlyEye mini is a highly portable and easily assembled UAV that requires no special launch equipment.
Looking ahead, the defense minister revealed that the supply of these drones would be staggered over months and years, allowing Poland's military to benefit from ongoing advancements in technology as the versions delivered would be continuously updated to maximize their effectiveness.
The contract also includes repairs, logistics and training packages to support the operation of these systems.
The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the Polish military with a significant investment in the Polish defense industry, in both the public and private sectors.
Deliveries of the newest versions of these unmanned systems are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
WB Group is Poland's largest manufacturer of defense electronics. It serves customers in the Americas, Africa and Asia, in addition to European markets.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP