Poland's new anti-drone system features 12.7mm Gatling gun for immediate action.

At the MSPO 2024 defense expo, the Polish company Zakłady Mechaniczne "Tarnów," part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented its latest anti-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, known as the System Zwalczania Dronów. This system, developed in cooperation with the Military University of Technology (WAT), is armed with a WLKM 12.7 mm Gatling-style machine gun designed to target UAVs at a maximum effective range of two kilometers. Classified as a "last chance" defensive solution, it is intended for situations where drones are relatively close to the defended position.
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This anti-UAV system, also known as the System Zwalczania Dronów, is armed with a WLKM 12.7 mm Gatling-style machine gun designed to target drones at a maximum effective range of two kilometers. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The development of the System Zwalczania Dronów began in 2018 to address challenges posed by smaller drones that are more difficult to detect and neutralize. The system underwent a series of tests, starting with experimental firing exercises at the Central Air Force Training Ground in Ustka in late 2021, followed by additional evaluations in early 2022. These tests were conducted to assess the system's effectiveness in detecting, recognizing, tracking, and neutralizing UAVs, ensuring its capability to meet operational requirements.

The Polish anti-UAV system is a product of collaboration between Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów and the Military University of Technology, aiming to provide a balance between cost and functionality. The design utilizes affordable ammunition and incorporates modern detection and tracking technologies. According to Dr. Kamil Wacławik, project manager at the Military University of Technology, the system includes remote control capabilities and offers both manual and automatic modes. This flexibility allows the system to be installed on a variety of platforms, including stationary setups, mobile vehicles, or naval vessels.

The system underwent a series of tests, starting with experimental firing exercises at the Central Air Force Training Ground in Ustka in late 2021, followed by additional evaluations in early 2022. (Picture source: Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów)

In 2023, this system was demonstrated on a new carrier, the Waran armored personnel carrier, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola. The Waran is a wheeled, armored vehicle that provides Level 2 protection under the STANAG 4569 standard. It measures 6.20 meters in length, 2.55 meters in width, and approximately 2.60 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.65 meters and a ground clearance of 0.43 meters. The vehicle has a crew capacity of two, an estimated weight of around 15 tons, and an operational range of approximately 600 kilometers, enabling it to serve as a mobile platform for the anti-UAV system.

The primary component of the System Zwalczania Dronów system is the WLKM 12.7 mm multi-barrel machine gun, which uses a Gatling-style configuration developed by Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów. The gun fires 12.7 mm x 99 NATO (.50 BMG) ammunition and can reach a firing rate of up to 3,600 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 meters. The rate of fire is adjustable between 250 and 3,600 rounds per minute, and the burst length can be set from 50 to 200 rounds. The weapon system features four rotating barrels powered by a 27 V DC electric motor and is integrated with an optoelectronic head that includes day and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. An external radar system is included to detect UAVs, including smaller drones, at distances of up to 15 kilometers.

The Polish anti-UAV system is designed to operate in three modes: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. In manual mode, the operator directly controls the system, while in semi-automatic mode, the system assists by tracking the target within the video feed. In fully automatic mode, the system autonomously identifies and tracks targets, with the operator making the final decision to fire. The system can be controlled remotely, allowing the operator to remain at a safe location while using a control panel and a large screen that displays camera feeds, providing flexible operation and enhanced safety.

The System Zwalczania Dronów anti-UAV system, which features four rotating barrels, is integrated with an optoelectronic head that includes day and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. (Picture source: Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów)