Polish-made Tiguar drone found in Iran after US special forces testing

A Polish-designed Tiguar drone, recently seen during US Special Forces exercises in the Philippines, has been identified in wreckage photos circulated by the IRGC in southern Iran.

Identification of the downed aircraft

Photos of the drone wreckage surfaced over the weekend, shared by an expert on Middle Eastern military aviation. While the aircraft is missing its wings and tail, the fuselage design points strongly to a Tiguar model manufactured by the Warsaw-based company uAvionics.

The wreckage features a mounting point for a satellite communications antenna, likely the Starshield system used by the US military. Evidence suggests the drone was engaged in reconnaissance operations and shows no clear signs of being armed.

From Warsaw workshop to US special operations

The Tiguar M is a military modification of the Tiguar C, developed by uAvionics, a firm founded by engineering graduates from the Warsaw University of Technology. Although originally lacking a major commercial client, the aircraft became the subject of interest for US special forces.

The platform gained public attention in late April 2026, when photos from the Balikatan exercises in the Philippines showed US Green Berets testing the drones. These units were specifically evaluating long-distance communication capabilities using the Starshield system.

Performance and surveillance capabilities

The Tiguar is a lightweight 25-kilogram drone with a 4.1-meter wingspan, designed for endurance. It is powered by a hybrid engine system, allowing for either highly economical or exceptionally quiet flight modes.

The manufacturer claims the drone can remain in the air for over 20 hours, covering distances exceeding 1,800 kilometers at a cruising speed of 90 km/h. Its ability to operate at range makes it a valuable asset for persistent, covert surveillance in remote environments.

Operational status and future implications

It remains unclear whether the Polish drone is being used experimentally or has been formally integrated into the US military inventory. The variety of unmanned systems currently under US evaluation suggests an active search for the best technological solutions in an evolving market.

Regardless of its official status, the deployment of a Tiguar in a combat zone represents a significant milestone for the Polish manufacturer. Attempts to reach the company for comment regarding their collaboration with the US military were unsuccessful.