Poland is moving closer to fielding its own version of the infamous Iranian Shahed drones, with final preparations for official deployment now underway.
Developed jointly by the Polish Air Force Institute of Technology and Autonomous Systems Center (OSA), the “PLargonia” is a dual-purpose loitering munition being positioned as Poland’s national combat drone.
It can function as an aerial target for air defense training, simulating foreign drones with a similar delta-wing build, or be configured as a one-way attack system carrying a 20-kilogram (44-pound) warhead.
The drone measures 2.6 meters (8.5 feet) long with a wingspan of over 2.2 meters (7.2 feet).
Powered by a piston engine, PLargonia can reach speeds of up to 185 kilometers (115 miles) per hour and has an operational range of 900 kilometers (559 miles).
PLargonia is scheduled for live demonstrations in April ahead of its anticipated entry into service.
Shaping Future Weapons
OSA brings together military officials, scientists, and industry experts to develop drones, autonomous systems, and countermeasures for the Polish Armed Forces.
PLargonia is among the organization’s key programs, supported by a broader budget exceeding $6.7 billion.
“We are streamlining procedures so that new equipment and solutions reach the army faster than before,” Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on social media.
“To this end, we are joining forces — the IDEAS Research Institute, [Polish Armaments Group], private companies, startups, and the Technical Institute of the Air Force as the team leader.”
