Poland and Ukraine announced a joint drone development project in Rzeszów, combining Polish funding with Ukraine’s frontline experience.
Joint Drone Armada: Polish Funds and Ukrainian Expertise
Poland and Ukraine will collaborate to build a joint drone armada, leveraging Polish financial support and Ukraine’s unique battlefield experience. The initiative was announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Swyrydenko during the Road to URC conference in Rzeszów.
The project will also benefit from funding from the European Union’s defense fund.
Enhanced Security for Poland and Europe
Polish Prime Minister Tusk emphasized that the modern fleet of unmanned systems will enhance security not only for Poland but for all of Europe. The project relies on Ukraine’s expertise, gained over 50 months of successfully defending against Russian aggression, utilizing drones as a key defensive element.
Technological Leap for Poland
According to Donald Tusk, this collaboration will enable Poland to make a technological leap in the field of air defense. He stated the importance of incorporating Ukraine’s “tragic, yet impressive” experience into Polish know-how for defending Polish airspace.
Ukraine’s Growing Defense Sector
Deputy Prime Minister Swyrydenko highlighted the rapid development of Ukraine’s arms industry, with the number of manufacturers increasing significantly. Ukraine has transitioned from a recipient of aid to a provider of cutting-edge solutions.
Swyrydenko noted that Ukrainian systems are changing the nature of Russia’s war against Ukraine, enabling the destruction of tanks and expensive systems.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Business Opportunities
Swyrydenko expressed hope that the Poland-Ukraine cooperation will strengthen both countries and ensure security, actively encouraging joint ventures in both Ukraine and Poland, creating new business opportunities.
She thanked Poland for accepting one million refugees and providing political support, recalling Rzeszów receiving the honorary title of “City of Rescuers.”
Rzeszów as a Stepping Stone to Gdańsk
The conference in Rzeszów is a key step in preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in June in Gdańsk. Discussions in Gdańsk will focus on Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and full integration into the European single market.
