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Poland’s Armament Agency has signed a contract with the national defense consortium PGZ and Norway’s Kongsberg for the SAN counter-drone system.
This was reported by Defence24.
Poland is investing in the SAN counter-drone system in response to growing threats from unmanned aerial attacks and hybrid warfare, particularly from Russian drone operations targeting its territory and critical infrastructure. The system is designed to detect, intercept, and neutralize hostile drones using a combination of anti-aircraft guns, guided rockets, and interceptor UAVs. By integrating advanced sensors, electronic warfare tools, and command-and-control capabilities, Poland aims to strengthen its air defense, protect military and civilian assets, and enhance national security in a context of increasing regional instability.
The system will include 35 mm and 30 mm anti-aircraft guns, 12.7 mm WLKM heavy machine guns, 70 mm laser-guided APKWS rockets, and interceptor unmanned aerial vehicles.
In total, the system will consist of 18 batteries, including 18 command platoons and 52 firing platoons.
A key subcontractor under the contract will be the Polish company Advanced Protection Systems (APS). The company will supply optoelectronic sensors, various electronic sensors (including FIELDctrl Ultra and Follow radars), electronic warfare systems, as well as software and a command-and-control system integrating SAN components. This includes the SanView command post, which will be present in each firing platoon.
The SAN system will include 703 vehicles, with around 400 based on Jelcz platforms and about 300 based on the Igwana vehicle.
The contract value is estimated at approximately 15 billion zlotys (around $4.2 billion). Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by January 2028.
Key components of the SAN system
SA-35 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery system
The SA-35 is based on a 35 mm automatic cannon capable of firing programmable ammunition. High mobility, including off-road capability, is ensured by the Polish Jelcz 6×6 truck chassis with an armored cabin. The chassis integrates both the gun mount and its stabilization system.
For detection and tracking of aerial targets, the SA-35 is equipped with the ZGS-35 modern optoelectronic station. In the future, it is expected to use the Polish X-band TUGA radar, which will perform early detection and target guidance tasks.
PROTECTOR turret family
The PROTECTOR family of combat modules from Kongsberg includes three remotely operated turret variants: RT20, RT40, and RT60. The modules are based on the 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon.
12.7 mm WLKM multi-barrel machine gun
The 12.7 mm WLKM machine gun, developed by the Polish company Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów, is mounted as part of a remotely controlled anti-aircraft system equipped with a radar and an optoelectronic station.
The WLKM features a block of four 900 mm barrels and can fire up to 3,600 rounds per minute, creating a dense stream of 12.7 mm bullets at ranges of up to 2,200 meters. The design remains relatively lightweight and compact, weighing 50 kg with a total length of 130 cm. Barrel rotation is driven by electric motors rather than gas operation.
More details on the 70 mm laser-guided APKWS rockets and their development history can be found in the article “Hydra 70: A Multi-Platform Rocket.” As for interceptor drones, several options are under consideration; for example, in autumn 2025 Poland received the MEROPS system.
