MoD: Polish firms to supply tactical medium range drones to the Polish army

The Ministry of the Defense (MON) has decided that the Polish producers will deliver tactical medium range unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) within the scope of Gryf program, the Polish Press Agency (PAP) reported citing the ministry's statement. "The proceedings will be conduced in competitive mode. ... The Armament Inspectorate will invite those Polish companies belonging to the group of high economic-defense priority," lieutenant colonel Jacek Sońta, the MON spokesman told PAP. When it comes to Zefir program which assumes purchase of MALE system (Medium Altitude Long Endurance), the decision will be make later, Sońta also said. In mid-July, Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said that "We would like to address this order to the domestic industry, because we think that there is a potential to build small unarmed drones in Poland." Such a procedure is legal, because it cares for the national interest, Siemoniak explained. State-controlled Polish Armed Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) and WB Electronics are expected to bid for the unarmed drones contract.  According to the media, the government will probably to turn to Thales UK (who has recently signed an agreement with WB Electronics) or Israeli Hermes  to supply the MALE drones.