Former Head of the Armed Forces Authority Department of BBN, General Jarosław Kraszewski, in an interview on TVN24 pointed out the key challenges associated with the drone threat. As he stressed, the foundation of effective protection is fast detection and immediate response.
“The passive radar present has a limited scope of up to 15 kilometres,” the general noted. Therefore, in his opinion, Poland should usage the existing infrastructure as shortly as possible, including the DVB-T masts owned by Emitel. – Emitel owns the fiber-optic skeleton of the net in Poland, allowing data transfer almost in real time. It is essential to make fast decisions – we cannot waste time here – he said.
When asked about real defence capabilities, the general pointed to the 2 most effective methods of neutralising unmanned vehicles today: disruptive systems (so-called jammers) and Gatling miniguns mounted on, for example, ground vehicles. “On the basis of radar or satellite recognition, we request to decide and usage these systems quickly,” he explained.
However, Kraszewski recalled that there are besides more advanced technologies in the planet – from interception of control of the drone and its discharge into the territory of the opponent, laser systems and energy weapon solutions. – In Poland we have specified a solution, it is already at 6–7 level of technological readiness. They must be full operational and implemented as shortly as possible, due to the fact that it is the most effective tool – he pointed out.
The general besides referred to the question of the function of allies. In his opinion, NATO has a wide scope of measures that can support Poland in the face of provocation with drones. – You can usage rocket systems like Polish Lightning to combat specified unmanned vehicles, but the condition of effectiveness is knowledge: what flies, where it flies, at what velocity and where it goes. It is only on this basis that you can choose the right combat strategy – from Piorun, through the aviation of land troops, to F-16 and F-35 – he explained.
In conclusion, the General stressed the request to make an integrated, multi-faceted air defence strategy that would enable a full image of the operational situation and fast consequence to threats.
