Poland Builds "Europe's Strongest" Anti-Drone System
Reference News Network reported on October 1 According to a report from Germany's First Television on September 28, this is a project described by the Polish government using the highest level of vocabulary. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said earlier this year: “Today we are building an unprecedented, highly modernized system. There is no comparable system in Europe.” At that time, Poland signed a contract to establish an advanced anti-drone and air defense system, referred to as SAN. The project is being carried out in cooperation between Poland and Norway.
SAN will integrate various reconnaissance and defense capabilities. Military expert Mariusz Cierma explained: “This is a combination of many solutions, both domestic and imported.” On the defense front, the system will be equipped with artillery of various calibers, machine guns, and intercept drones. In addition, a complex system composed of radars, sensors, and cameras will continuously monitor the aerial situation. According to public information, SAN can not only detect drones in flight but also lock onto drones that are in a “hovering standby” mode, waiting to execute missions, with a detection range covering several kilometers to tens of kilometers.
Cierma added: “This system will also connect to external data sources, including intelligence information from other air defense systems and army units.”
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced the scale of SAN's formation: “18 anti-drone companies, 52 fire control platoons, and 18 command platoons, totaling 703 vehicles.” An anti-drone company typically consists of one command platoon, multiple fire control platoons, and supporting vehicles.
SAN will not only be used for military defense but will also take on the task of protecting critical infrastructure. Poland has invested about 3.5 billion euros in this project, while also receiving funding support from the EU's “European Security Action” tool. EU member states can apply for defense investment loans under favorable conditions through this financial tool.
The report states that the new anti-drone and air defense system will complement ground defense measures. Poland is building a border protection wall over 700 kilometers long along its eastern border adjacent to Belarus and Russia to guard against potential military invasions.
The construction progress of this defense system is tight, with plans to be completed by the end of 2027. The first batch of equipment can be delivered this year. (Translated by Nie Litiao)
Poland is developing an advanced anti-drone and air defense system called SAN, which will integrate various reconnaissance and defense capabilities. The project involves 703 vehicles, including 18 anti-drone companies and 52 fire control units, with an investment of approximately 3.5 billion euros. The system aims to enhance military defense and protect critical infrastructure, with completion expected by the end of 2027 and initial equipment deliveries this year.
- Poland is investing approximately 3.5 billion euros in the SAN project.
- The SAN system will be capable of detecting drones in flight and those in standby mode.
- The system will integrate external data sources from other air defense systems and army intelligence.
- Construction of a 700 km border protection wall is underway to prevent potential military incursions.
- The SAN project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with initial equipment deliveries this year.