The agreement for the San anti-unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) air defense grid was signed on 30/1 at a defense facility near Poland's capital, Warsaw. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defense Minister Wladysław Kosiniak-Kamysz attended the ceremony, underscoring the project's significance for national security.

Prime Minister Tusk emphasized the project's critical importance in strengthening security along Poland's eastern border, which adjoins Russia and Belarus. "We will build a system that is unique and the most modern of its kind," he stated. He added that the San grid will enable the country to counter aerial threats "more effectively, affordably, and intelligently" than using fighter jets or missiles. He also highlighted that "currently, there is no integrated smart system in Europe with anti-drone as its primary function."

The decision to develop the San system follows an incident in 9/2025, when 19 UAVs intruded into Polish territory. This event exposed limitations of traditional air defense methods. "Early experiences with UAV aggression demonstrate that tools like fighter jets or missiles are not effective enough," Prime Minister Tusk said. Most UAVs then crashed in the eastern province of Lubelskie, but two flew over 300 km from the border. Polish air defense forces and NATO garrisons shot down at least 4 aircraft; the remaining ones appeared to crash after running out of fuel.

NATO's response during this incident was assessed as significantly less effective compared to Ukraine, which often claims an interception rate of Russian UAVs up to 80-90%, despite facing a much larger number of aircraft.

The San air defense grid will be constructed by an international consortium led by Polish state defense group PGZ. Other members include Polish private company APS and Norway's Kongsberg. Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that San comprises 18 anti-drone batteries and 700 vehicles. Polish media reported the grid's estimated cost is nearly 15 billion zloty (approximately USD 4,2 billion), with the program expected to last about two years.

Equipment displayed at the signing ceremony for the San air defense grid on 30/1. *Photo: PAP*

San will be integrated into Poland's multi-layered air defense grid. This existing defense infrastructure includes US-made Patriot systems, UK-manufactured short-range missiles under the Narew program, and the very short-range Pilica air defense system.

By Pham Giang (According to Kyiv Post, PAP)