Poland buys 46 radars for air defense — $1.6 billion for sky protection and economy

 

46 radars to avoid missing any targets

Poland is investing serious money in its security: a contract worth 1.6 billion dollars (5.8 billion zlotys) has been signed with the PGZ-Narew consortium for the supply of 46 passive location radars. This is not just a purchase of equipment, it is part of a broad strategy to create a dense dome of air defense over the country. From 2030 to 2038, Poland will receive 28 radars for firm orders and another 18 for options. All these are building blocks in a defense system that must see everything that flies.

Passive tracking — they see, but do not emit

The peculiarity of these radars is the principle of operation. They do not emit a signal like conventional radars. Instead, they catch radio emissions from airplanes, drones, and missiles—from their radars, communications, and even from the electronics on board. This makes them virtually invisible to electronic intelligence equipment. The enemy does not realize that he has been spotted.

Such systems are particularly effective against low-profile targets: drones, cruise missiles, and low-visibility aircraft. They complement active radars and create a network in which the threat has almost nowhere to hide.

Narew — not just radars, but a defense system

Radars are part of the Narew program, which is built around short— and medium-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems. This is a response to the threats that Poland sees in the east: massive drone strikes, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic strikes. Narew must intercept these targets on approach, protecting cities, military bases and infrastructure.

Passive radars are the eyes of this system. They are the first to detect the threat, transmit the data to the command posts and direct the missiles to the target.

The money goes into Polish hands, both for defense and for the economy

The contract was signed with the PGZ-Narew consortium, which is headed by the Polish Arms Group (PGZ), a state defense corporation. This means that most of the money will remain in the country: for development, production, training, and service. This is not only a strengthening of defense, but also an investment in our own industry.

Poland is now actively increasing defense spending to 4.8% of GDP in 2026. And such contracts show that the country is not just buying weapons, it is building its own defense system with Polish technologies, Polish factories and Polish specialists.

Sources

1. Korrespondent.net — Poland signs contract for 46 air-defence radars
2. EurAsia Expert — in-depth look at the Narew programme and its evolution
3. Interfax — report on the start of short-range air-defence system deliveries
4. Overclockers.ru — anticipation of the contract and hardware overview
5. Entrevue.fr — Poland’s $1.6 bn air-defence contract
6. Army.az — regional security implications of the deal
7. Nevskii Bastion — technical details of the Narew system