Poland has signed a $1.65-billion deal with a consortium of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa to deploy advanced counter-drone air defense systems, addressing the growing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles. The contract was awarded under the San air defense program, one of Poland’s largest recent investments in short-range air defense.
The agreement includes 18 air defense batteries built around Kongsberg’s Protector remote weapon stations, capable of engaging targets using cannons, missiles, and interceptor drones. Polish defense firm Advanced Protection Systems, part of the PGZ group, will deliver the command-and-control system, linking sensors and effectors and ensuring seamless integration with national air defense assets.
Designed for flexibility, the Protector systems can be mounted on mobile vehicles, static sites, and naval platforms. The modular design supports weapons ranging from light machine guns to medium-caliber cannons, while integrated camera and sensor suites enable accurate engagement during day and night operations. High rotation and elevation speeds allow the system to respond quickly to fast-moving aerial threats.
The broader San program aims to create a comprehensive shield against drones and crewed aircraft, combining kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities. Each battery will employ a mix of radars, passive sensors, and optical systems to detect and neutralize hostile airborne targets, significantly enhancing Poland’s ability to defend critical infrastructure and deployed forces against evolving aerial threats.
