Poland Launches Mass Production of Hornet PL-AT-1 Long-Range Strike Drone with Range of Up to 1,200 km
Poland has officially begun mass production of the domestically developed Hornet PL-AT-1 long-range strike drone, manufactured by Hornet Polsky Drony. The announcement followed an inspection by Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk. The drone measures 2.6 m in length with a 2.2 m wingspan, weighs approximately 85 kg, and can exceed 200 km/h, with an operational range stretching from 400 km in its base configuration to 900–1,200 km. Poland plans to invest approximately $6.9 billion in drone and counter-drone capabilities this year.
Highlights
- Poland's Hornet Polsky Drony has begun mass production of the Hornet PL-AT-1 long-range strike drone following an inspection by Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk.
- The Hornet PL-AT-1 measures 2.6 m in length, weighs approximately 85 kg, and has an operational range extendable to 900–1,200 km.
- Poland is investing approximately $6.9 billion in drone and counter-UAS capabilities in 2024.
- An additional 20 military drone laboratories will be established, supplementing Poland's existing 10 military drone units.
- The Hornet PL-AT-1 program is part of Poland's broader strategy to develop an indigenous defense industry and reduce reliance on foreign procurement amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Poland has officially commenced mass production of the domestically developed Hornet PL-AT-1 long-range strike drone. The system, manufactured by Hornet Polsky Drony, entered the batch production phase following an on-site inspection by Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk.
Key Technical Specifications
According to data published by the manufacturer, the Hornet PL-AT-1 features the following performance parameters:
- Body length: 2.6 metres
- Wingspan: 2.2 metres
- Weight: Approximately 85 kg
- Maximum speed: In excess of 200 km/h
- Operational range: 400 km in the baseline configuration, extendable to 900–1,200 km depending on mission payload and configuration
The manufacturer has not yet officially disclosed the payload capacity. Some unofficial sources estimate it at approximately 15 kg, though this figure has not been confirmed.
Poland's Large-Scale Investment in Drone Capabilities
During the inspection visit, Deputy Minister Tomczyk announced that Poland plans to invest approximately $6.9 billion in drone and counter-UAS capabilities over the course of this year.
As part of this investment, an additional 20 military units will establish dedicated drone laboratories, supplementing the 10 existing military drone labs, with the aim of accelerating the development and deployment of military drone technologies.
Context and Strategic Significance
The introduction of the Hornet PL-AT-1 marks a significant step in Poland's drive to strengthen its indigenous defense industrial base and reduce dependence on foreign procurement. Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Poland and other Eastern European nations have been actively accelerating the domestic development and mass production of military drones to enhance national defense resilience.
Source / Image credit: APT (screenshot)
原文來源： 查看原文
FAQ
Newsletter
Subscribe to our Low-Altitude Industry Newsletter
Daily curated news on low-altitude economy and drone industry, delivered to your inbox.
Reviewed and published by the LAETimes editorial desk ·
