The Head of the Polish MoD approved the procurement of Gladius battery fire modules. The name refers to the strike/reconnaissance system that is composed of the latest WB Group UAVs – FT-5 reconnaissance UAS and armed BSP-U platform, where the U letter stands for “strike”. All elements are integrated within the Topaz network, already being used by the Polish artillery units.
Head of the Polish Ministry of Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak did confirm that the first elements of the Gladius Modules would be delivered by the end of this year, to artillery regiments stationed in the east. He added that the Ministry is consequently making steps towards the reinforcement of the Polish Armed Forces through procurements as such – this is relevant within the context of the War in Ukraine. Several hundred UAVs are expected to be delivered, including reconnaissance FT-5 platforms and BSP-U Gladius systems. The claim above seems to be aligned with the procurement value – PLN 2 bn (approx. USD 450 million).
The value has a total value of PLN 2 bn. Gross (US$450M) , while the first deliveries of the Gladius system belonging to the battery module would be finalized as early as 2022. This translates into the biggest ever UAS contract in history, involving the Polish Armed Forces. The amount is higher than the one associated with the procurement of Bayraktar TB2s (USD 270 million), or the Orlik program UAVs (still undelivered, at a price tag of PLN 800 million).