Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is asking Ukraine to help develop a “drone armada,” as Warsaw builds one of Europe’s largest and most modern military forces since Russia invaded Ukraine more than four years ago.
From what began as a desperate necessity in 2022, Kyiv today is widely regarded as a global leader in drone technology and production.
“I am proud to be able to open this new chapter in building Polish security with you today, and I am proud that our partner in this endeavor is the country most experienced in what determines control in the skies today,” Mr. Tusk said Monday at the Road to Ukraine Recovery conference in the Polish city of Rzeszow.
Mr. Tusk made the remarks alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
Ukraine is no longer just a recipient of aid: It has become a major security provider. Kyiv has opened international weapons export centers across Europe to sell combat-tested Ukrainian technology and has established joint ventures with countries in the Middle East that are seeking drones to counter Iranian-made weapons.
“Ukraine has proven to be a partner for countries that want to defend their airspace, thanks to their specific, unique know-how,” Mr. Tusk said, according to the Polish news outlet Interia Wydarzenia.
Warsaw’s planned drone force is intended to strengthen the security of Poland and Ukraine, Mr. Tusk said.
“Poland must have a drone armada so that we can not only continue helping Ukraine, but also confidently tell our citizens that we are safe,” he said, according to the Kyiv Post.
