Poland Inks Satellite Imaging Deal, Orders 10,000 Warmate Drones for Army

Poland has signed agreements for a national satellite earth observation system and the supply of nearly 10,000 loitering drones for its armed forces.

On May 14, the Armament Agency signed a contract with a consortium of ICEYE Polska Sp. z o.o. and Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 for the delivery of a Satellite Earth Observation System under the MikroSAR program. The agreement aims to enhance Poland’s national radar-based reconnaissance capabilities using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite systems.

“Imaging is the foundation of defense effectiveness, as the situation in Ukraine has shown us. On NATO's eastern flank, no one has these capabilities. This is the best technology in the world,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.

He added that the capabilities will benefit not only the Polish military but also sectors like agriculture, forestry, and economic security.

Deputy Minister Bejda highlighted that the PLN 860 million contract aligns with the Polish government’s goal of spending at least 50% of defense procurement within national companies.

According to Deputy Minister Tomczyk, the first Polish Army satellite will be launched later this year, developed in cooperation with the Finnish-Polish firm ICEYE.

A day later, on May 15, the Ministry of National Defense announced signing a framework agreement with WB Electronics SA for the delivery of around 1,000 sets of WARMATE loitering ammunition through 2035. The agreement enables ongoing updates, ensuring the Polish Army receives the most recent drone versions.

He also introduced the concept of a “Drone Legion”, a volunteer unit modeled on the existing Cyber Legion, aimed at supporting the military with skilled civilian drone operators during crises.

WARMATE drones are intended for target identification and destruction, and can be deployed independently by soldiers or integrated into vehicles. The system is equipped with automation tools to assist operators during flight and attack phases.

Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda stated that the newly signed contract for loitering ammunition involved systems that had proven effective in Ukraine. He added that the government would continue to support the Polish defense sector and equip the military with drone-related systems, emphasizing that the development of unmanned troops was underway and the signed contract reflected this ongoing effort.