Poland has initiated a strategic partnership with Ukraine to bolster its drone defense capabilities, following a recent incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace.
The collaboration, announced in Kyiv on Thursday, involves joint military training and manufacturing projects to leverage Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise in countering unmanned aerial vehicles.
This move comes as both nations aim to strengthen their defenses against evolving aerial threats.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal signed a cooperation agreement to train Polish soldiers and engineers in Lipa, Poland.
The training will cover the full spectrum of drone interception, from tracking and jamming to downing enemy drones using interceptor systems.
Ukraine’s advanced layered defense system, which includes interceptor drones and electronic warfare, will be shared to enhance Poland’s ability to monitor and neutralize aerial threats approaching its borders.
The agreement follows an incident where over 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine, prompting NATO to deploy fighter jets.
The costly response underscored the need for cost-effective solutions, which Ukraine’s expertise offers.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of this partnership in response to Russia, with Shmyhal noting it elevates security cooperation to counter threats impacting Ukraine and Europe.
The collaboration also includes testing new interception methods and fostering compatibility between the two nations’ armed forces.
The drone incursion heightened concerns about Russia’s intentions, prompting NATO to reinforce its eastern flank.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to develop long-range drones targeting Russian infrastructure, such as the recent attack on a Gazprom refinery.
This partnership marks a proactive step for Poland and Ukraine to address shared security challenges, ensuring a robust defense against unmanned aerial threats in an increasingly volatile region.