Industry
MSPO 2022: New Generation of Gladius UAV. Agreement with the Polish MoD Signed
Polish Armed Forces have signed an agreement on the development and introduction of the new generation search and strike UAV dubbed Gladius 2. The conclusion of the contract happened during the MSPO 2022 event. This confirms the off-the-record information that Defence24.pl had previously obtained.
The first variant of the Gladius system was developed by the WB Group - it is a search-strike UAV offering a range of up to 100 kilometers. A relevant procurement deal regarding that system was signed in May 2022. Four battery-level fire modules were acquired for the division-level artillery regiments. Deliveries of the elements of the aforesaid systems are to begin by the end of this year. The Gladius system integrates the FT-5 reconnaissance UAVs, BSP-U strike UAVs, and the Topaz fire control/battle management system, broadly employed by the Polish artillery units. The fire module shall include launchers, command, and logistics support vehicles - most probably based on a multi-purpose 4x4 platform developed by the HSW S.A. company.
The contract, with a price tag of PLN 2 bn., includes several hundred UAVs. It has been the most significant UAV procurement contract signed by the Polish Armed Forces to date. But the acquisitions may go beyond that.
The WB Group signed an agreement with the Armament Agency, during MSPO 2022, regarding development work on the Gladius 2 system. The value of that contract is PLN 49.9 million. The relevant work is to be completed within the term between 2022 and 2026. This confirms the rumours about the planned conclusion of the agreement, that Defence24.pl reported . The system is to offer performance much greater than the one of the assets procured in May this year. That would translate into a range that significantly exceeds 100 kilometers. The R&D effort would be undertaken in parallel to deliveries of the standard Gladius system.
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The solutions adopted for Gladius/Gladius 2 programme are be to some extent similar to the ones implemented for the Pilica/Pilica+ projects undertaken by the PGZ Group. A new generation system would be developed in parallel with deliveries of the existing variant, with the new assets offering much greater combat capabilities. This would translate into a major growth of combat potential of the Polish Armed Forces, achieved with the use of the Polish industry's expertise, over a short period.
