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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist]()
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
![AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX]()
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
