Poland looks to Germany for the supply of reconnaissance drones from Dornier

Published: 9/22/1999

Poland is hoping that the German government will approve the transfer of two squadrons of Dornier Cl289 reconnaissance drones to the Polish Army, following initial talks with Poland. If approved, two completely equipped units will be passed to the Polish Army. Dornier is keen to see the deal materialising, as it would be invited to overhaul and modernise the unmanned vehicles, which it originally manufactured. The possible upgrade includes installation of modern scanning radar and replacing the TV camera and IR line scanner in the drone's head. Other upgrades cover Cl289's software, enabling craft to fly on a pre-programmed path. The upgrade is being introduced to all aircraft in service with German Army since 1992 and expected to stay in front line service. Dornier exhibited a mock-up of its product at the recent Kielce International Military Fair, but no details were released on the project's progress. Currently the Polish Army has no unmanned vehicles in service, despite several approaches from domestic manufacturers, including the Institute of Aviation, PZL Warszawa-Okecie and WSK Mielec, none of the proposals have been developed.

Article ID: 891