Poland Chooses Its Own Planes To Hunt Enemy Drones

There were some unexpected favorites.

The Polish Air Force continues to look for opportunities to strengthen its air power and is interested in light attack aircraft capable of effectively countering enemy drones.

This is reported by DEFENSE EXPRESS.

Despite having the F-35, F-16 and FA-50 in its arsenal, Warsaw has begun to consider the possibility of acquiring Brazil's A-29 Super Tucano.

A delegation of the Polish Air Force led by Deputy Commander Ireniusz Nowak visited the Embraer plant, familiarized themselves with the production of the aircraft and made familiarization flights on the KC-390 Millennium and A-29 Super Tucano.

The interest in the Super Tucano was not accidental: Embraer is positioning this light attack aircraft as a means of fighting Shahed drones, promoting a similar version on the US market as well.

Poland's experience with drones

The Polish Air Force has already had experience in repelling drone attacks: in September 2025, the country faced attempts by Russian Gerbera drones to penetrate its airspace, which showed the high cost and difficulty of destroying long-range UAVs.

Warsaw previously considered the option of using light-engine aircraft, such as the modified PZL-104 Wilga Draco, for counter-drone defense, but its implementation was not planned until 2028 at the earliest.

European experience and logistics

An additional argument in favor of the Super Tucano is the delivery of this aircraft to Portugal, which became the first European operator of the version under NATO standards.

This allows the Polish Air Force to draw on the experience of allies, rather than being pioneers, as in the case of the FA-50. Delayed deliveries of the FA-50PL and problems with the integration of U.S. missiles have increased Warsaw's interest in alternative solutions.

Priority KC-390

For now, however, Poland's main focus is on the KC-390 military transport aircraft, which will soon arrive for demonstration tests in the transportation of military samples. For Embraer, this could be a contract for ten pieces of equipment.

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