The government of Poland is seeking an undisclosed number of MQ-9 Reaper drones from the US in preparation for a possible escalation of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Fears that Warsaw and other neighboring nations may be drawn into the week-long war have surfaced as Russian attacks continue to expand.
Although the precise value of the deal has yet to be disclosed, it was revealed that the transfer process will be accelerated.
“I would like to inform you that acquisition of medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) is pursued both within the framework of the ZEFIR program as well as within the framework of urgent acquisition of the MQ-9 Reaper UAVs in relation to the situation on the eastern border of the Republic of Poland,” Lt. Col. Krzysztof Płatek told Defence 24.
Platek said that the Polish government is currently “in talks” with its American partners for the urgent production and delivery of the UAVs.
Once delivered, Poland would become the first country on NATO’s eastern flank to acquire the MALE drone.
MQ-9 Reaper Drone
Developed by General Atomics, the MQ-9 Reaper drone serves as the primary offensive strike UAV for the US Air Force due to its significant loitering time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons.
It neutralizes high-value, mobile, and time-sensitive targets with the help of a multi-spectral targeting system.
In addition to its strike capability, the drone can also perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, and combat search and rescue missions.
The Reaper has a maximum speed of 240 knots (444 kilometers per hour) and a range of up to 1,150 miles (1,850 kilometers).