Poland Signs €3.8 Billion Counter-Drone Contract with Kongsberg
Poland has signed a €3.8 billion ($4 billion) contract for the SAN (System Antydronowy) counter-unmanned aircraft system, the largest counter-drone procurement in European history, officials announced on 30 January 2026.
Featured image: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
Contract Scope
The SAN programme encompasses:
- 18 counter-UAS batteries with 52 firing platoons
- Approximately 700 vehicles including command, sensor, and effector platforms
- Multi-layered effector systems: 35mm guns, 30mm guns, 12.7mm machine guns, missiles, and interceptor drones
- Integrated command and control systems for coordinated response
Industrial Arrangements
Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), the Polish state defence group, leads the consortium. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway serves as the primary technology partner with a contract share valued at approximately €1.4 billion. Advanced Protection Systems (APS) participates as an additional technology partner.
Timeline
Initial operational capability is scheduled for late 2026, with full system delivery within 24 months of contract signature. This timeline reflects Polish government urgency regarding the counter-drone threat on NATO’s eastern flank.
Funding
The programme will draw substantially from the EU SAFE (Security Action for Europe) fund, which provides pre-financing for European defence capabilities. Poland has positioned counter-drone capability as a priority for both national defence and NATO collective security.
Operational Concept
The multi-layered effector approach addresses diverse threat types, from commercial quadcopters to larger loitering munitions. Kongsberg’s integrated command system enables operators to select appropriate responses based on threat assessment, optimising engagement cost and effectiveness.
Strategic Context
The contract follows increased European attention to counter-drone capability following extensive drone employment in the Ukraine conflict. Poland’s eastern border position and substantial defence modernisation programme have made counter-UAS a national priority.
The system will complement Poland’s broader air defence investments, including Patriot missile batteries and the NAREW short-range air defence programme.