PZL Defence: Unmanned Innovation Takes Off
On a crisp spring day, the company PZL Defence opened its doors on 21 July 2025. With its registration still in progress, the firm is already buzzing with plans to become a game‑changer in the world of drones.
The Great Collaboration with Unimot
Thursday’s highlight was a hot‑handed letter of intent signed between Unimot, PZL Sędziszów, and the fledgling PZL Defence. The goal? Build a strategic partnership that will turbo‑charge expertise in cutting‑edge defense tech.
- Unimot will snag 40 % of shares for PLN 400,000 (post‑registration).
- PZL Sędziszów is earmarked for a ⟨10 %⟩ stake.
- The majority, 50 % of the capital, will belong to a Ukrainian partner.
Once the paperwork is signed off, PZL Defence plans to roll out civilian drones. After securing a license, the firm will pivot to military drones and anti‑drone systems—a crucial safeguard for critical infrastructure.
Why the Drone Boom Matters
“Unmanned tech’s growing grip on regional security shows why we’re fusing Polish engineering wizardry with our Ukrainian allies’ battle‑tested know‑how,” says Adam Sikorski, President of Unimot’s Management Board.
Where does the magic come from? PZL Sędziszów (Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze, literally “Polish Aviation Works”) brings over 85 years of precision manufacturing. Currently they churn out filters for Rosomak military vehicles and Leonardo group helicopters—all under rigorous defense licences.
Building a Drone‑Centric R&D Hub
The product lineup will include:
- Reconnaissance drones that keep an eagle eye on the horizon.
- Loitering munitions ready to strike from the sky.
- Systems designed to neutralise rogue UAVs.
With a sharp focus on research, the company’s new R&D centre aims to reshape the battlefield landscape.
The Numbers Behind the Risk
Since 2022, Russia has unleashed more than 28,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine, a figure that Ukrainian intelligence suggests could balloon to over 500 drones nightly. It’s clear that anti‑drone tech isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Poland’s defence budget is reflecting this urgency. In 2025, it is projected to hit a record PLN 186.6 billion—about 4.7 % of GDP. The trend is upward, with estimates pointing to a cumulative spend of roughly PLN 1.9 trillion between 2025 and 2035.
Europe’s Defense Future
The PZL Defence project dovetails perfectly with EU initiatives like Readiness 2030 and the SAFE mechanism, which aim to funnel up to EUR 800 billion into European defence infrastructure. Thanks to European Investment Bank support and flexible budgeting, the portfolio looks set for success.
Keep the Momentum Going
With PZL Defence, the Ukrainian partnership, and Polish expertise in hand, the horizon looks bright for the next generation of UAVs. It’s a bold step toward a future where technology, experience, and strategy collide—making every drone dominate the skies wisely and safely.
