Polish Armed Forces Intensify Organic FPV Drone Experimentation
Despite the Polish Army’s ongoing modernization process and its procurement a plethora of new weapon systems, there is an active bottom-up initiative within the Polish Armed Forces. Individual soldiers from various units push for the introduction of small homemade FPV drone utilization. The effort seems to be bringing effects within respective units of the Polish Armed Forces.
The enhancement of FPV use and exercises is the result of the effectiveness of such makeshift aerial anti-armor and observation systems in Ukraine. Dedicated drone teams increase situational awareness in the field and provide additional security for operating forces. On the other hand, homemade kamikaze drones equipped with HEAT warheads and explosives are considered somewhat effective against light armored vehicles and infantry both in the open and in defensive positions.
The FPV drones became a cheaper alternative to sophisticated weapon systems. They are cheap and easy to manufacture in large quantities, easy to use, and under certain conditions prove deadly. The psychological effect of drone use on the enemy has also been noticed in Ukraine.
The general command does not coordinate the adaptation of FPV drones in the Polish Army instead this remains an organic effort. The first unit introducing small-scale drone operations was the 6th Airborne Brigade – a light infantry quick reaction force.
However, the latest video compilation made by soldiers of the 1st Armored Brigade showcased FPV drone exercises. Participants were taught about drone manufacture, controls, and working under Electronic Warfare suppression. The initiative marked the necessity of the introduction of another squad-level fighting and observation asset demanded by combat personnel.
The increase in FPV drone use within the Polish Armed Forces is slow and comes with plenty of organizational difficulties as the soldiers are not officially authorized to form ad hoc drone squads. Yet the new technology and methods of fighting are being explored at the platoon and company level with the apparent support of their parent units. Whether FPV drone use emerges in a more official form in the Polish Army any time soon is unclear but the increasing number of units organically experimenting with the systems provides a perspective on the potential wider use of drones in the future.