Ukraine, Poland to create joint drone operational group – DM Shmyhal

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this in Kyiv during a joint briefing with his Polish counterpart, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Today we agreed on a number of important steps. First, the creation of a joint operational group for unmanned aircraft systems, which will include representatives from both the Ukrainian and Polish armed forces,” Shmyhal said.

According to the minister, this group will serve as a platform for coordination and the development of joint initiatives between Ukraine and Poland.

“We will integrate cutting-edge defense technologies and initiate new projects aimed at strengthening the protection of our people and critical infrastructure. Central to this joint operational group will be joint training programs, which, I am confident, will enhance our ability to counter a common enemy,” he emphasized.

Shmyhal also noted that the second agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish defense-industrial enterprises.

“Ukraine is a world leader in unmanned systems, so we are ready to develop joint projects in aerial, maritime, and ground drones, as well as robotic systems,” the minister explained.

Another priority of the cooperation will be ballistic missiles and artificial intelligence, which will help accelerate the integration of modern technologies for joint security and deterrence.

“We welcome our colleagues on the allocation of EUR 43.7 billion from the SAFE program to Poland. SAFE should become one of the key mechanisms for joint defense projects between our countries,” Shmyhal added.

The third agreement involves activating work within the ‘Ramstein coalition of capabilities’ to meet both urgent needs of the Ukrainian armed forces and their long-term modernization.

“Poland is a leader in the armored vehicle coalition and a participant in drone and demining coalitions, so we expect active participation and faster delivery of assistance in these areas,” he said.

As Ukrinform reported, Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz visited Kyiv on Thursday, September 18. During the visit, the defense ministers of Ukraine and Poland, Denys Shmyhal and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, honored those who died defending Ukraine.