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The general direction of aviation equipment acquisition has remained unchanged since the fall of 2024, that is, since the previous issue of this series. The biggest changes in recent months have involved the helicopter fleet, a comprehensive approach to satellite reconnaissance as well as large purchases of aerial weaponry. It should be added that the main deliveries of the expected equipment are supposed to take place within 2 to 5 years, which creates certain challenges related to ensuring appropriate infrastructure and qualified personnel for the equipment.
Progress in Production of Polish F-35As and Pilot Training
The Harpia (Harpy) program, which involves acquiring 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole fighters, remains the most important modernization effort of the Polish Air Force in terms of aviation equipment. Based on the contract signed in January 2020, Poland will receive 32 F-35A fighters equipped with the TR-3 (Technology Refresh 3) hardware and in Block 4 configuration. The first Polish F-35A performed its maiden flight in December 2024. Interestingly, the AZ-02 aircraft with tail number 3502 — the second plane completed for Poland — was the first to fly. The first completed aircraft, AZ-01 with tail number 3501, was instead showcased during a rollout ceremony for representatives of the Polish Ministry of Defense and the military in August 2024.
The first eight aircraft produced for Poland will initially be stationed at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Polish pilots are undergoing training. In January 2025, a Polish pilot made their first flight piloting a Polish F-35A, and in March, a Polish pilot conducted the first aerial refueling procedure, receiving fuel from a KC-135 tanker.
The first aircraft are expected to arrive in Poland in January 2026. 14 fighters are scheduled for delivery that year. The Łask airbase will be the first to receive them, with deliveries to Świdwin set to begin in January of the following year.
Additional Fighter Squadrons?
The Armament Agency is still in the process of defining requirements for a potential acquisition of 32 multirole fighters with characteristics suited for air superiority missions — specifically, aircraft with high flight performance. It is highly likely that three contenders will compete for the contract. Boeing is offering the thoroughly modernized F-15EX Eagle II. The second contender is the European Eurofighter Typhoon, which continues to be developed and is still being ordered by countries that operate or plan to operate the F-35. An alternative option would be the purchase of another batch of F-35A fighters, which would offer the highest level of logistical and training consistency across the Polish Air Force fleet.
Modernization of F-16 Jastrząb
Polish F-16C/D Jastrząb (Hawk) aircraft were delivered in 2006-2008 and are now approaching the midpoint of their expected service life. A modernization program — commonly referred to as an MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) — has been anticipated for several years. The Armament Agency plans to sign a contract for the upgrade in 2025. In October 2024, the U.S. Department of State issued a notification regarding approval for the sale of modernization packages for 48 F-16C/D fighters to Poland. As a result, aircraft currently in the Block 52+ Advanced configuration are to be upgraded to a standard close to the latest production Block 70/72 models. Poland has requested the option to purchase 58 IPDG multipurpose displays, 58 EGI navigation systems with SAASM modules, 58 AN/APG-83 SABR radars, upgrades for 60 MMC mission processors or their equivalent, 60 next-generation XMC mission processors or equivalents and 73 electronic warfare systems – either AN/ALQ-257 IVEWS or AN/ALQ-254(v)1 Viper Shield. In addition, Poland has expressed interest in modification services and support for existing systems, including the PAWS-2 missile warning system, JHMCS II helmet-mounted displays, radios, IFF transponders, and AN/ALE-47 flare and chaff dispensers.
The package also includes weapons to be used in functional testing in the U.S. Three AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles, three GBU-53/B SDB glide bombs, two GBU-39/B bombs, eight GBU-53/B dummy bombs, two AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II training missiles, as well as two CATM-9X Sidewinder units will be required for this purpose. The notification also mentioned an unspecified number of Collins Aerospace MS-110 MARS reconnaissance pods. This system is an evolution of the DB-110 pods currently in use in Poland (7 units). In theory, these could be modernized to the newer version, but the very brief description does not allow us to determine whether this option is under consideration. In July 2023, the MS-110 completed flight trials and is now available for export customers.
The contract was finally signed in August of this year. and worth approximately $3.8 billion net, envisages almost the entire modernization process being carried out in Poland, at the Military Aviation Works No. 2 (WZL-2) facility in Bydgoszcz. The exception will be the conversion and testing of the first two aircraft, which will take place between 2028 and 2030 at the manufacturer’s facilities in the USA. The remaining aircraft will be modernized in Poland between 2030 and 2038. The process has been planned for a relatively long period due to the need to maintain the availability of an adequate number of aircraft in combat squadrons. Simultaneously withdrawing too many aircraft for modernization would certainly impact the quality and continuity of flight training.
The scope of the modernization includes a thorough overhaul of the avionics, weapons, and self-defense systems, which will increase the aircraft’s combat capabilities and survivability in an environment of intense electronic countermeasures and in the face of modern air defense systems. The main elements of the F-16V aircraft upgrade include:
AESA radar (AN/APG-83 SABR) – significantly increases detection range, allows for tracking and engaging multiple targets simultaneously, improved jamming resistance, and operational modes for both airborne and ground targets.
Mission computer – significantly increased computing power, enabling real-time data processing from modern sensors and weapons systems.
Modern cockpit – a large, high-resolution central pedestal display (CPD) will be added, along with a new graphics generator, a new helmet-mounted display.
Advanced self-defense system N/ALQ-254V(1) Viper Shield – advanced EW capabilities, modern radar warning sensors, jammer and flare launchers.
Integration of new weapons and pods – AIM-120D air-to-air missiles, GBU-39/B SDB and GBU-53/B StormBreaker small diameter bombs and MS-110 recce pods.
Communications and datalink – new radios and a modernized system for encrypted voice and data transmission, and an IFF Mode 5 system.
Auto GCAS (Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System).
Purchase of new MS-110 recce pods and modernization of current AN/AAQ-33 Sniper pods.
The contract also includes the delivery of training simulators, the construction of storage facilities for sensitive components, the provision of spare parts, and technical support for American personnel. The modernization is intended to increase the operational potential of the Polish Air Force and its interoperability with NATO forces.
FA-50 Deliveries
In the second half of 2023, Poland received 12 KAI FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea, in the transitional GF configuration. This was the result of a contract signed in July 2022 between the governments of Poland and the Republic of Korea, which covered the purchase of a total of 48 FA-50 aircraft for the Polish Air Force, along with an armament, logistics, and training package.
The FA-50GF aircraft have not participated in combat tasks or exercises so far, but have mainly been used to train as many flight and technical personnel as possible. This is related to the need to staff future squadrons, which will later receive FA-50PL aircraft. Since June 2025, with the installation and commissioning of two full mission simulators at the base in Mińsk Mazowiecki, Poland has gained the ability to train pilots domestically, without the need to travel to Korea. The simulators meet the standards for both GF and PL versions, as their cockpits are essentially the same; the differences in capabilities are embedded in the software.
This year, the manufacturer was expected to begin deliveries of the first aircraft from the batch of 36 units in the final FA-50PL configuration. However, about a year-and-a-half delay in deliveries is expected due to the lack of formal approval from the U.S. government for the integration of certain American systems selected by the Polish side. Nonetheless, work on some systems is progressing where possible. For example, in May of this year, U.S. company RTX announced the start of flight trials of the PhantomStrike prototype airborne radar, which has been selected by the Polish Ministry of Defense for installation on FA-50PL aircraft. The PhantomStrike radar was flown aboard a Boeing 727 Multi-Program Testbed aircraft. The ongoing tests aim to confirm the parameters and capabilities of the new radar in conditions close to real operational use.
Air-Launched Munitions
In May 2024, Poland, represented by the Armament Agency, signed a contract with the U.S. government to purchase AGM-158 JASSM-ER long-range cruise missiles. Deliveries will take place between 2026 and 2030. The exact number of missiles purchased was not disclosed. In August, the Armament Agency also signed a contract with the U.S. government for the purchase of several hundred AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, with deliveries scheduled for 2029–2033. Both JASSM-ER and AMRAAM missiles will be able to be employed by F-16C/D and F-35A aircraft.
Another contract from last November concerns the delivery of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles. Poland is set to receive 232 of these air-launched munitions between 2028 and 2030. The contract also includes spare parts, logistics, and training packages. The AIM-9X Block II will be compatible with Polish F-16C/D and F-35A fighters, as well as FA-50PL light combat aircraft once they are delivered in their final configuration.
In January of this year, Poland ordered AGM-88G AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles, giving the Polish Air Force an entirely new capability of suppressing and destroying enemy air defenses. The contract includes the delivery of over 200 AGM-88G missiles between 2029 and 2035. These missiles will be compatible with Polish F-35A aircraft, which will carry them in internal weapon bays.
In April, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of AIM-120D3 missiles to Poland. According to the published notification, the Polish government requested the purchase of 400 AIM-120D3 medium-range air-to-air missiles, 16 AIM-120D3 guidance sections (including anti-spoofing modules), and one AIM-120 AMRAAM test missile. The order will also include AMRAAM missile control sections, encryption devices, software, transport containers and auxiliary equipment, as well as spare parts, consumables, accessories, and service support. The AIM-120D3 is the latest version of AMRAAM, which is the primary U.S. missile for beyond-visual-range air combat. As part of the F3R (Form, Fit, Function Refresh) program, the missile has received upgraded equipment, allowing the use of the latest SIP-3F (System Improvement Program-3F) software, which extends its time of flight. The exact range achieved remains classified, but it is estimated that it exceeds 160 km. Additionally, the missile’s resistance to jamming has been improved, increasing the probability of hit and the guaranteed kill zone. The AIM-120D3 is intended to arm all U.S.-made fourth and fifth-generation supersonic combat aircraft.
In May 2025, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of 1 400 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) and four GBU-39 (T-1)/B training bombs to Poland. The sale includes fuzes, a logistical, technical, and training support package, spare parts, software, technical documentation, and personnel training. In Poland, the bombs will be carried by F-16C/D and F-35A aircraft. The adaptation of Polish F-16s to carry GBU-39/B will be done as part of the aforementioned MLU modernization.
In June 2025, Poland signed a contract for the delivery of 24 AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and training CATM-9L missiles, intended for the FA-50GF light combat aircraft. Before entering service, the missiles will undergo thorough refurbishment. Until the AIM-9L missiles are delivered, the FA-50GF aircraft will be temporarily armed with leased AIM-9P missiles from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. It is also worth noting that in June of this year, a tender was resolved for the purchase of 20 mm ammunition for the onboard cannons of the FA-50GF. The winner was the Polish company Mildat, which will act as an intermediary in the delivery of 50 000 rounds of Turkish-made HEI M56A3 combat ammunition and 50,000 rounds of TP M55A2 training ammunition. Equipping the FA-50GF with cannon ammunition and Sidewinder missiles will allow them to participate in national airspace defense missions.
Discussions are ongoing about expanding the range of air-to-ground munitions carried by the FA-50. Specifically, the acquisition of Korean kits for mounting KGGB glide bombs is under consideration. This type of weapon is already integrated with the version of the aircraft currently in use in Poland and will not require additional modifications.
Preliminary market consultations launched in July 2024 are still ongoing regarding the acquisition of cruise missiles for engaging surface targets. These weapons will be carried by F-35A aircraft. In practice, the choice comes down to the Norwegian Kongsberg JSM (Joint Strike Missile) and the American Lockheed Martin AGM-158C LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile). However, only the former fits in the F-35A’s internal weapons bays, while the LRASM – derived from JASSM – has similar dimensions to its predecessor and can only be carried on external hardpoints.
Additional Hercules Aircraft
Poland acquired five used C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from USAF surplus by virtue of the agreement from April 2021. The first C-130H landed in Poland in July 2022, followed by the second in October of the same year. These were aircraft recovered from desert storage at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. Despite nearly three years having passed since their arrival, both Hercules aircraft are still undergoing Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) structural overhauls and being retrofitted with more modern communications systems at Military Aviation Works No. 2 (WZL-2). Fortunately, it was later agreed that the remaining three C-130H aircraft would come from the active USAF fleet. One of these (currently numbered 1511) arrived in December 2023 at the 33rd Air Transport Base in Powidz, followed by another (1512) in February 2024. The final C-130H (future number 1513) remains at the OGMA facility in Portugal, where it is undergoing PDM before delivery to Poland.
C-295M Modernization
In December 2024, an agreement was signed between the Armament Agency and Airbus Defence & Space for the modernization of Poland’s C-295M transport aircraft. The Polish Air Force currently operates 16 Airbus C-295M transport aircraft, delivered in four batches between 2003 and 2013. As a result, the aircraft differ slightly in equipment standards, which complicates their operation and ongoing maintenance.
The Ministry of National Defence initiated an analytical phase for the modification and standardization of the C-295M fleet in July 2020. However, the equipment requirements were not approved until June 2023, allowing an invitation to negotiate to be issued and talks with Airbus Defence & Space to begin. Under the newly signed agreement, the manufacturer has committed to equipping the C-295M fleet with modern avionics and enhancing the aircraft’s operational capabilities by upgrading identification friend-or-foe (IFF) systems, radio and satellite communications, self-defense systems, and enhancing the ability to airdrop paratroopers.
The work is to be carried out between 2025 and 2033, representing a significant delay compared to the original plan, which envisioned carrying out modifications to all aircraft between 2024 and 2028. A positive aspect of the current agreement is that only two aircraft will be modernized at the manufacturer’s facilities in Spain, while the remaining 14 will be modernized at Airbus Poland facilities in Warsaw.
Polish Strategic Ambitions
As the Inspector of the Air Force has repeatedly emphasized, the Polish Air Force urgently needs to acquire several Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) aircraft under the project previously known as Karkonosze. The aircraft of this category are primarily intended to support tactical aviation during combat patrols by significantly extending their time on station as well as during very long flights to foreign exercises or combat missions.
The second role of the MRTT is to support operations beyond national borders, including the transport of troops and cargo, evacuation missions, or the provision of humanitarian aid. The key to giving these operations a strategic character is the intercontinental range of MRTT-class aircraft. Currently, the combination of C-130E/H transport aircraft and government Boeing 737BBJs used for this purpose is severely limited in this regard. Two designs are competing for Poland’s interest: the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus and the Airbus A330 MRTT.
While multi-role transport tanker aircraft are considered extremely useful, they also have limitations stemming from their origins as commercial passenger aircraft. For example, they lack features necessary for tactical transport missions. They cannot carry oversized cargo (such as military vehicles), operate from very short or poorly prepared airfields, or perform airdrops of cargo and troops.
Heavier transport aircraft, which are a class above medium airlifters, are intended for such long-range tactical missions. Analyses are also underway in this regard as part of the project known as Drop. Two designs are being considered here: the Brazilian Embraer KC-390 Millennium and the European Airbus A400M Atlas.
Deliveries of Leonardo AW149 Helicopters
In April of this year, the first test flight of an AW149 helicopter produced in Poland took place at the WSK PZL-Świdnik facilities. The flight was conducted as part of the Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP), aimed at confirming the aircraft’s compliance with design requirements.
The production of AW149 helicopters in Poland is the result of an agreement signed in July 2022 between PZL-Świdnik and the Ministry of National Defence, covering the delivery of 32 aircraft for the Polish Armed Forces. From the outset, the contract for AW149 deliveries envisioned production in Poland, including technology transfer and the establishment of production as well as maintenance and servicing infrastructure. Although the first delivered units were assembled in Italy, Polish personnel were involved in the production process from the beginning, which greatly facilitated technology transfer and the development of the domestic industrial base. By the end of last year, eight helicopters had been handed over, and deliveries of all helicopters and ground equipment, including training systems, are scheduled to be completed by 2029.
End of Black Hawk Deliveries and Change of Priorities for Rotary-Wing Aviation
In November 2024, the Armament Agency announced the completion of deliveries of all four S-70i Black Hawk helicopters contracted three years earlier. The first two S-70i utility helicopters, manufactured at the domestic PZL-Mielec facility, were delivered in November 2023. The handover of the last two aircraft marked the end of the acquisition phase of aviation equipment by the military, although the contract also included logistical and training packages, which will continue to support the helicopters’ operational maintenance.
The configuration of the four newest Black Hawks matches that of four S-70i helicopters previously operated by the aviation section of the GROM special operations unit. In general, the unit operates eight Black Hawks and remains the only operator of this type of helicopter within the entire Polish Armed Forces.
In regards to the planned purchase of S-70i helicopters for the needs of the airmobile forces, primarily the air cavalry, available information indicates that negotiations initiated by the Armament Agency in July 2023 aimed to acquire 32 aircraft. However, in May of this year, the procurement process was canceled.
At a press conference held the following month, the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces announced a change in helicopter program priorities for 2025–2039. The highest priority was given to the acquisition of training helicopters. The second priority is maritime shipborne helicopters, followed by heavy transport helicopters in third place. Fourth in line are planned acquisitions of SAR (search and rescue) helicopters intended to replace the current W-3 Sokół (Falcon) and W-3WARM Anakonda (Anaconda) search and rescue helicopters. Only the last on the list are light platforms related to special operations and utility support helicopters for the land forces.
Regarding the first priority, in January 2024, the Armament Agency announced the start of market consultations concerning the acquisition of an integrated training system for combat helicopter pilots. The requirement covers 24 helicopters configured for training with airborne weapon systems, a training system including simulators and trainers, a logistics package, material support services, a training package, and the construction of appropriate infrastructure. Available information suggests that Airbus with its H145M and Leonardo with its AW109 intend to compete for the contract. Participation of Bell is also likely, altough company did not reveal wchich model could be subject of proposal.
When it comes to maritime shipborne helicopters, analyses that began in December 2019 are still ongoing regarding the acquisition of between four and eight multi-role maritime helicopters for the Navy under the Kondor (Condor) program. These helicopters are intended to be stationed on the decks of the Miecznik-class missile frigates currently under construction. Although maritime helicopters are theoretically high on the General Staff’s priority list, in practice there has been little visible progress in this program.
Among the General Staff’s new helicopter priorities, heavy transport helicopters now occupy a leading position. In August 2023, the Armament Agency invited PZL-Świdnik to negotiate a potential purchase of 22 AW101 helicopters. These are multi-role aircraft intended mainly for tactical transport of troops, cargo, and vehicles to the battlefield. The rationale for selecting this particular platform for these tasks, as well as the reasons for the absence of a competitive procurement process, remain unknown.
Three Western designs could compete in this class: the Leonardo AW101 Merlin, Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, and Boeing CH-47F Chinook. Undoubtedly, the Boeing CH-47F is the most popular among these, favored by NATO allies due to favorable purchase and operating costs. The Ministry of National Defence assures that it has been in talks with Boeing on this matter since 2024, but the nature of these negotiations has not been formally defined.
Purchase of AH-64 Apache
In August 2024, an agreement was signed with the United States government for Poland to purchase 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, which will replace the currently used Mi-24 helicopters. Deliveries are expected to take place between 2028 and 2032, with 15 AH-64E helicopters anticipated to arrive in the first year. Preparations are currently underway to establish the necessary infrastructure to receive these aircraft at the first of three selected locations, that is Inowrocław.
Additionally, in February 2025, a package of agreements was signed to initiate the leasing procedure for AH-64D Apache attack helicopters. The U.S. government committed to transferring eight used helicopters to Poland. Besides the helicopters themselves, the agreements cover platform operation and personnel training for the Polish Armed Forces during their use until the AH-64E deliveries are completed. The first batch of four AH-64D helicopters arrived to Poland in June 2025, with the second batch scheduled for the last quarter of the year.
Purchases by the Air Force Academy
The fleet of light aircraft at the Air Force Academy (LAW) in Dęblin, specifically within its Academic Aviation Training Center (ACSL), is continuously being expanded and modernized. In November 2024, LAW announced the delivery of two new Robinson R44 Raven II helicopters. The contract for the delivery of these two training helicopters was signed in May between LAW and the GB Aircraft company. With this delivery, the ACSL’s air fleet grew to a total of seven helicopters of this type.
Furthermore, in July of this year, LAW launched two procurement procedures for the delivery of additional training aircraft. One tender concerns a light fixed-wing airplane for training in daytime and nighttime VFR/IFR flights. The other aircraft is meant to be a light piston-engine helicopter for VFR flights. Deliveries of both aircraft are expected by the end of November 2025.
Deliveries of Simulators for Bayraktar TB2 and Cancellation of the Albatros Program
In July 2025, an annex to the previously signed contract with the Turkish company Baykar was added, which would provide the Polish Armed Forces with two additional simulators for the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial systems. These will complement two such devices delivered with the original order placed in May 2021. Altogether, the Polish side has thus ordered four TB2 systems, comprising a total of 24 air platforms (six in each system) and four simulators.
After several years of analyses, in February of this year, the tender for two tactical short-range vertical take-off unmanned aerial systems, codenamed Albatros (Albatross), was cancelled. Delivery of one system was meant to be a guaranteed order, with the second planned as an option. According to published information, the Armament Agency estimated the project gross budget at 42 million PLN, while the offer received amounted to nearly 395 million PLN (321 million PLN net value), over nine times higher. Due to the large price discrepancy, the contract award was abandoned.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian Order
In December 2024, the Armament Agency signed a contract with the American company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. for the delivery of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial system. The order includes three MQ-9B air vehicles, two control stations, and a three-year service support package. The entire system is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2027.
The Armament Agency first announced its intention to acquire this class of drone in February 2022. It was immediately emphasized that the goal was to obtain the MQ-9B SkyGuardian version, which has only recently entered production. At the same time, due to urgent operational needs, a decision was made to lease two MQ-9A ER drones, with a contract signed with the same manufacturer in October of that year.
The purchase of the MQ-9B variant will enhance the ability to gather imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) from greater distances and higher altitudes compared to smaller drones. The aircraft allows simultaneous use of an electro-optical sensor, the Lynx multifunctional radar, and optional equipment, including additional reconnaissance pods, fuel tanks, or armament.
New Wizjer UAS
In May 2025, a ceremony marked the beginning of deliveries of the new NeoX-2 Duch (Ghost) unmanned aerial systems to the Polish Armed Forces, which were developed under the program codenamed Wizjer (Viewfinder). At the time of the ceremony, the military already had two systems in service, which had been formally accepted shortly before.
The contract for the development and acquisition of the mini reconnaissance UAS was signed in December 2021. The parties to the agreement were the Armament Inspectorate of the Ministry of National Defence (now the Armament Agency) and a consortium led by Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), together with Military Aviation Works No. 1 (WZL-1) in Łódź and Military Aviation Works No. 2 (WZL-2) in Bydgoszcz.
The consortium received an order to produce and deliver 25 systems, including logistics and training packages. The contract includes an option for acquiring a computer-based theoretical training system and a training management system. Each system consists of four NeoX-2 Duch air vehicles equipped with electro-optical (EO/IR) payloads, one ground control station (NSK), one ground data terminal (NTD), and one portable video terminal (PTV). In total, the Polish Armed Forces will receive 100 air vehicles. Deliveries are scheduled to conclude in 2027, though most systems are expected to be handed over to troops this year.
Additional FlyEye UAS
In November 2024, a third executive contract was signed for the delivery of 13 FlyEye UAV systems to the Polish Armed Forces. This means that the military will receive 52 FlyEye air platforms (four per system) by the end of the year. The latest contract is another step in implementing the framework agreement signed in September 2023, which envisioned successive deliveries of around 400 FlyEye systems — over 1,600 air platforms in total — for the Polish Armed Forces. The first executive contract under these arrangements was signed in April 2024 and covered seven systems (28 air platforms). In September, the Armament Agency signed a contract for another six systems (24 air platforms). The current agreement thus raises the total number of FlyEye systems on order to 26 (104 air platforms in total).
New Polish Satellites
Having its own satellite systems is of key importance for a country’s defense, especially in the period preceding an armed conflict. Not only does it allow for real-time tracking of the movements of a potential adversary, including in its rear areas, but also enables independent planning for strikes with long-range weapons. In order to make fully independent use of acquired JASSM and JASSM-ER cruise missiles, as well as ballistic missiles for K239 Chunmoo and M142 HIMARS rocket systems, the Polish Armed Forces will require targeting data from their own satellite reconnaissance. For this reason, several projects are being implemented to maintain a constellation of military satellites with various capabilities.
In December 2022, under the Glob (Globe) program, a contract was signed with Airbus Defence and Space for the delivery of two Pleiades Neo very high-resolution imaging reconnaissance satellites, along with a receiving station in Poland. As of mid-2025, both satellites are under construction. The satellites are to be launched by 2027, but the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS) center in Białobrzegi already has receiving equipment which enables it to commercially obtain images from two Pleiades Neo satellites currently in orbit and owned by Airbus. The difference between satellite images provided by an external entity and owning a satellite outright lies in full control over image transmission and processing, as well as the ability to independently control the satellite’s orbit and operating modes of the onboard equipment.
Three other military satellite projects are being carried out with the participation of domestic entities. Since August 2021, under the leadership of the Military University of Technology, a Polish consortium of companies and research institutions — comprising the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Creotech Instruments, Scanway, the Institute of Aviation, and PCO — has been developing the PIAST (Polish ImAging SaTellites) military nanosatellite constellation project. Under a contract worth PLN 70 million, the plan is to launch three satellites equipped with electro-optical payload, based on the domestically developed HyperSat platform created by Creotech Instruments. Although the images obtained from PIAST will not be of the highest resolution, the larger number of satellites will allow for shorter revisit times over areas of interest.
In December 2024, the Armament Agency signed a contract with Creotech Instruments for the acquisition of another satellite observation system under the Mikroglob (Microglobe) program. The goal of this program is to expand the Polish Armed Forces’ capabilities in gathering reconnaissance data using satellite-based electro-optical Earth observation systems. Under this program, Creotech will build and place into orbit four satellites capable of imaging in visible light (PAN, R, G, B modes) as well as in near-infrared (NIR). The order also includes Mission Control and Image Data Processing segments. Launching the satellites and achieving their low sun-synchronous orbit is planned for 2027.
Meanwhile, in May 2025, the Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Military Communications Works No. 1 (WZŁ-1), operating together as a consortium, signed a contract with the Ministry of National Defense for three satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and a mobile ground station. The agreement was signed under the project codenamed MikroSAR (MicroSAR). The contract includes an option to expand the order with an additional three SAR satellites and another mobile ground station. The first satellite of the MikroSAR constellation is to be launched later this year, with the remaining two going into space in 2026. All satellites are planned to be placed in sun-synchronous orbit, which—together with other acquired satellite systems—will help shorten revisit times. Unlike optical observation systems, the SAR radar-based system provides the ability for continuous satellite reconnaissance, independent of weather conditions. Not only will this investment increase the independence and effectiveness of the Polish Armed Forces in observation and operational analysis but will also serve civilian state institutions for monitoring other sectors of the national economy, such as agriculture and forestry.
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