Poland receives first Gladius UAS battery
Each Gladius battery consists of nine UAVs. (Photo: WB Group)
The Polish Armed Forces has received the first elements of the Gladius reconnaissance and attack UAS just 19 months after the contract was signed with WB Group and a year after initial systems were delivered to support training and faster introduction into service.
The PLN2 billion (US$508.6 million) contract for the delivery of four Gladius battery modules of unmanned search and strike systems, along with a training and logistics package, was signed on 6 May 2022.
On 15 December 2022 the first elements of the Gladius system were delivered to the Polish Armed Forces including two UAV launchers and two Gladius training UAVs.
The system has been built around the FT-5 UAV and each battery has included four UAV BSP-U attack UAVs, five FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs, five launchers, two command vehicles and three ammunition carriers. The vehicle supporting the batteries will be the Waran 4x4 vehicle.
Under the contract the logistics package included the supply of maintenance kits and maintenance services for UAV and the training package, in addition to the training of the soldiers, including training UAVs and system simulators.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: OpenWorks launches new system for on-the-move targeting
Vision Pace uses OpenWorks’ artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers and trackers to detect, track and identify multiple targets in land and naval applications for air defence.
-
DSEI 2025: Patria’s FAMOUS becomes TRACKX with production ready before end of 2027
The first two Technology Test Beds (TTBs) have been completed and put through a series of company trials including sand, snow, swamp, forest and tarmac.
-
DSEI 2025: General Dynamics firms up Ajax for potential British Army IFV requirement
Following the cancellation of the Lockheed Martin UK Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme (WCSP), the British Army will have a serious capability gap when the current Warrior infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is soon phased out of service.
-
DSEI 2025: Trials completed for new version of Tridon air defence gun
Less than two years ago, Sweden’s BAE Systems Bofors announced it was developing a new 40mm short-range air defence system using internal research and development funding, calling it the Tridon Mk2.
-
DSEI 2025: DroneShield sets sights on Europe thanks to surge in CUAS demand
The Australian-based CUAS technology specialist is responding to a marked shift in global appetite as it looks to branch out to an unspecified western European country early next year.
-
DSEI 2025: Rheinmetall adds Lockheed Martin missile punch to Fuchs vehicle
The combination of the Rheinmetall platform with Lockheed Martin missiles is seen as the bringing together of mature systems to provide a capability in the medium term, but trials could be as long as 12 months away.