Metis to add Skyperion detector to Polish SAN counter-drone effort - Calibre Defence
AI Analysis
UK-based Metis has secured a £30 million contract with Kongsberg to supply its Skyperion passive RF drone detection systems for Poland's SAN counter-drone program. The SAN program aims to establish 18 counter-drone batteries, equipped with a layered defense including kinetic weapons, electronic warfare, and interceptor drones. Successful integration of Skyperion with existing radar systems (Weibel Xenta-M, potentially Advanced Protection Systems FieldCTRL Ultra) and the SanView C2 system will be crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Metis awarded £30 million contract to provide Skyperion RF drone detection systems to Poland.
- The Skyperion system is a passive RF detector, complementing existing radar capabilities within the SAN program.
- Poland’s SAN program envisions 18 counter-drone batteries, each with approximately 700 vehicles and a mix of effectors (cannons, HMGs, APKWS rockets, EW, interceptor drones).
- Kongsberg is the prime contractor for the SAN program, working with Polish Armaments Group and Advanced Protection Systems.
- Integration of Skyperion into the overall air picture managed by SanView C2 is highlighted as a critical success factor.
Why It Matters
This contract demonstrates the growing international demand for robust counter-UAS capabilities, particularly in response to evolving drone threats. The layered defense approach of the SAN program, combining multiple detection and effector technologies, represents a best-practice model for modern air defense. The emphasis on integration highlights the importance of a unified command and control system for effective counter-drone operations.
Metis to add Skyperion detector to Polish SAN counter-drone effort - Calibre Defence
Today is : June 15, 2026
Metis wins £30 million Kongsberg contract to support Poland’s SAN counter-drone programme
Detecting drones is an obviously essential element in countering them. Detection generally relies on multiple forms of sensor to give granular tracks that can be used for an engagement. In this contract, Metis will add its passive RF sensors to Poland’s SAN counter-drone programme, complementing radars.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on June 12, 2026.
The UK’s Metis has won a £30 million ($40.25 million/€34.75 million) contract from Kongsberg to support Poland’s SAN counter-drone programme, according to a June 12 press release.
Metis will be providing an unspecified quantity of its Skyperion passive radio frequency (RF) drone detection systems. This means that they use antennas to detect the RF signals emitted by drones and give an indication of where they are.
Kongsberg is the overall prime for the SAN programme and is working with the Polish Armaments Group and Advanced Protection Systems under a more than £1 billion contract.
SAN is an ambitious project, envisaging 18 counter-drone batteries consisting of around 700 vehicles, according to Defence 24. Each battery should have around 40 vehicles and consist of fire platoons and support platoons.
The fire platoons with include 30 and 35 mm cannons based on trucks as well as the Legwan 4×4 armoured vehicles carrying remote weapon stations with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. Other effectors include the laser-guided APKWS rockets from BAE Systems, electronic warfare, and interceptor drones. The fire platoons will also be provided with radar, possibly the FieldCTRL Ultra from Advanced Protection Systems.
The whole SAN system will be coordinated through the SanView C2 solution, also from Advanced Protection Systems. Wider situational awareness will come from Weibel Xenta-M radars.
The project is funded under SAFE, and 60% of the value will go to Polish companies, making Metis a fortunate beneficiary.
Calibre comment: Integration is key
The Metis Skyperion system will provide a valuable passive element to the SAN capability. However, it will be important for Kongsberg to make sure that the sensors are fully integrated into an overall air picture. This is because an air picture with a lot of threats can quickly become confusing and unhelpful. Adding some form additional sensor that requires “swivel chairing” will not build that awareness most effectively. Skyperion has been built to be system agnostic and with an open architecture to facilitate this type of integration. Furthermore, it has been integrated into the RAF’s ORCUS drone defence system as well as Leonardo’s Falcon shield. So, it stands to reason that Skyperion can handle the integration, success will come down to the coordination across the multiple partners in the SAN programme.
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