“Drone and Counter-Drone Systems – Challenges for Poland’s Security” – Casimir Pulaski Foundation
AI Analysis
A meeting convened by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation and the National Security Industrial Club in Poland focused on the growing challenges and opportunities surrounding drone and counter-drone systems. Discussions highlighted Ukraine’s rapid development as a drone manufacturer and the critical role of unmanned systems in the ongoing conflict, with drones accounting for over 80% of inflicted losses. Poland is actively seeking to bolster its drone capabilities and counter-drone defenses in response to escalating hybrid threats.
Key Takeaways
- Poland is prioritizing the development of its drone and counter-drone capabilities due to increasing regional security concerns.
- Ukraine has transitioned from a drone importer to a leading manufacturer and exporter of drone technology within four years.
- Drones account for over 80% of losses inflicted on both sides in the Ukrainian conflict.
- Russia deployed over 6,500 Shahed/Geran-type drones in April 2026, with a low success rate (9-14% accuracy).
- A wide range of Polish stakeholders – including government, military, and defense industry representatives – are involved in shaping Poland’s drone strategy.
Why It Matters
The rapid evolution of drone warfare, as demonstrated in Ukraine, necessitates proactive investment in both drone capabilities and effective counter-drone systems. Poland's focus on this area reflects a broader trend among NATO's eastern flank nations to prepare for potential hybrid warfare scenarios. Ukraine’s experience provides valuable lessons and potential partnerships for Poland and other countries.
“Drone and Counter-Drone Systems – Challenges for Poland’s Security” – Casimir Pulaski Foundation
Spotkanie Dronowe – KPBN 3#
Autor foto: Fundacja im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego
“Drone and Counter-Drone Systems – Challenges for Poland’s Security”
Published: May 19, 2026
Spotkanie Dronowe – KPBN 3#
Autor foto: Fundacja im. Kazimierza Pułaskiego
“Drone and Counter-Drone Systems – Challenges for Poland’s Security”
Opublikowano: May 19, 2026
On 12 May 2026, more than thirty participants convened at the offices of Wardyński and Partners on Aleje Ujazdowskie in Warsaw for a meeting of the National Security Industrial Club (NSIC) and the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, dedicated to drone and counter-drone systems as a challenge for Poland’s security. Representatives of the defence industry, the armed forces, government institutions, and expert communities gathered in a single room — joined remotely from Ukraine by a Platoon Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and an expert in the development and implementation of drone and counter-drone systems.
The assembled participants represented a broad spectrum of stakeholders involved in shaping Poland’s drone capabilities. On the institutional and military side, those present included representatives of the Inspectorate of Unmanned Weapon Systems of the General Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Border Guard.
The defence industry was represented by, among others: Creotech Geo, MBF Group, Quantum Quest, TELDAT, Spectre Defence, Vertigo Global, Radmor (WB Group), the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation, Cenzin, DILECTRO, Under Ant, UAS Expert, the Polish Dual Use Chamber, and the Polish Chamber of Unmanned Systems. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Polish Development Bank and the Sustainable Investment Forum Poland (POLSIF).
The event was opened by Zbigniew Pisarski, President of the Casimir Pulaski Foundation. In his opening remarks, he noted that within just four years Ukraine had progressed from being an importer of unmanned systems — drawing on every available source of supply — to becoming a leading manufacturer, a provider of know-how, and a sought-after industrial partner. This capability is of particular significance today for the Baltic states and the entire eastern flank of NATO, which face an escalating hybrid threat.
The substantive proceedings were inaugurated by Sebastian Czub, analyst of the International Security and Defence Programme at the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, with a presentation. As he noted, unmanned systems now account for more than 80% of losses inflicted on the adversary across the Ukrainian theatre of operations. In April 2026 alone, the Russian side deployed over 6,500 Shahed/Geran-type drones — of which only 9–14% struck their intended targets. The longest recorded attack lasted continuously for more than 30 hours i