He said Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of modern warfare, in which advanced technologies are used on a massive scale alongside conventional weapons, including tanks, artillery and infantry.
“Hundreds of combat engagements take place on the front every day. In the past week alone, Russian forces carried out 904 attacks,” the Polish minister said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also highlighted the effectiveness of Ukraine’s unmanned systems. He said maritime surface and underwater drones had effectively denied Russia the ability to freely use its Black Sea Fleet, while aerial and ground drones allow Ukraine to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia.
“Ukraine started at sea, with surface and underwater drones. It effectively disabled the Black Sea Fleet. Aerial and ground drones were later added,” he said.
Poland intends to develop similar capabilities on land, in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace, the minister said.
One of the key elements of the reform will be mandatory drone training for new recruits. Drones are also expected to become standard equipment across all branches of the Polish military.
Warsaw’s other priorities include counter-drone systems, the use of artificial intelligence, long-range precision strike capabilities and the development of satellite reconnaissance.
Earlier reports said Russia could be preparing false-flag provocations against NATO countries, including the use of drones disguised as Ukrainian ones. The Baltic states and Poland were cited as potential targets.