Breaking News
Poland Expands Gladius Program to Fortify Counter-Battery Defenses Against Russian Artillery.
On December 15, 2024, the Gladius program, one of Poland's most significant reconnaissance and strike systems, underwent substantial technological and structural improvements. Among these were the Mobile Analysis Station and new functionalities for the FT-5 drone. These developments aim to enhance the efficiency of artillery and reconnaissance units.
FT-5 Drone From Gladius Program (Picture source: WB Group)
The Mobile Analysis Station, a central component of the Gladius system, has been certified for processing classified information up to the “secret” level. Built on a modified Jelcz 6x6 chassis, it incorporates a container developed in collaboration with a foreign partner. The station stands out for its ergonomics and competitive cost while offering advanced data analysis capabilities. It processes information from reconnaissance and command systems to generate critical data for commanders, facilitating swift decisions on fire strikes. Following comprehensive testing, these stations have been delivered to the Polish Armed Forces.
The improved structure of the BSP-U battery within the Gladius program includes a total of 16 Waran vehicles in various configurations. This comprises six Waran vehicles in the BSP platoon and two BSP-U platoons with five additional Waran vehicles used as command vehicles and launchers. Additionally, the system uses vehicles based on Jelcz chassis, such as the Mobile Analysis Station, Technical Maintenance Vehicles, command vehicles, and ammunition transport vehicles. The latter, designed based on models used in the Homar-A and Homar-K systems, are equipped with cranes and loading systems for drones. A vehicle with a multi-loader system for handling multiple drones simultaneously, along with energy storage and a power generator, is also under consideration.
As part of the Gladius program, the reconnaissance capabilities of the FT-5 drones have also been developed. A new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), designed in collaboration with Polish universities, is notable for its reduced weight and size—50% smaller than competing solutions. The FT-5 SAR can simultaneously use two types of sensors—optoelectronic and radar—significantly enhancing its imaging capabilities. The FT-5 ELINT version, equipped with electric propulsion, offers the ability to quickly detect enemy radio transmissions and transmit their location, enabling immediate strikes. Both types of FT-5 drones have been fully tested and delivered to the Polish military.
The FT-5 drone, developed by WB Group, offers advanced technical capabilities tailored to tactical reconnaissance missions. The FT-5 SAR version integrates a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) weighing less than 15 kg, a 50% reduction in mass and size compared to similar systems on the market. This enables an operational altitude of up to 5,000 meters and a range of 150 km. It can simultaneously combine optoelectronic and radar sensors to provide high-precision imaging data. The FT-5 ELINT version, equipped with electric propulsion ensuring a 6-hour autonomy, specializes in intercepting and analyzing enemy radio signals. It can locate transmitters within a 100 km radius and instantly relay this data for targeted strikes. These technical performances position the FT-5 as a crucial asset for the armed forces, meeting the standards of short-range reconnaissance systems.
The Gladius program, launched by Poland in the 2010s, aligns with a strategy to modernize its armed forces amidst a geopolitical context marked by rising tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Designed as an integrated reconnaissance and strike system, Gladius aims to strengthen the tactical and operational capabilities of Polish artillery units. After several development phases, the program achieved key milestones in the 2020s, including the integration of FT-5 drones and specialized vehicles such as Waran and Jelcz. In 2024, the certification of the Mobile Analysis Station marked a new advancement, solidifying Gladius's role as a cornerstone of Poland’s modern defense capabilities.