Poland Begins Developing Long-Range Strike Capabilities Beyond 1,000 km

Poland aims to develop the capability to conduct precision strikes against targets more than 1,000 kilometers away. The country is considering strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles as potential weapons.

Brigadier General Grzegorz Potrzuski, Head of the Planning and Programming Directorate for the Development of the Polish Armed Forces, said this in an interview with Defence24.

According to Potrzuski, Poland’s land forces can currently strike ground targets at ranges of around 300 kilometers using U.S.-made ATACMS and South Korean CTM-290 missiles. However, the experience of the Russia-Ukraine war has shown the need for precision-strike weapons capable of reaching much greater distances.

In addition to ground-based systems, the Polish Armed Forces will also receive long-range air-launched cruise missiles. In May 2024, Poland’s Ministry of National Defence signed a contract for the delivery of several hundred U.S.-made AGM-158 JASSM-ER air-to-surface cruise missiles.

The contract is reportedly worth approximately $735 million. Deliveries are scheduled to take place from 2026 to 2030.

The AGM-158 JASSM-ER has a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and carries a 450 kg warhead. The missile uses GPS guidance, while during the terminal phase of flight, it employs an infrared seeker to locate and acquire the target.

According to the brigadier general, the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces is already working on a doctrine for conducting deep precision strikes. The doctrine is intended to establish the principles for developing the required capabilities and to define requirements for the Polish defense industry regarding future weapon systems for the Polish Armed Forces.

To carry out these missions, Poland does not plan to create additional military units. Instead, specialized units will be established within existing structures, with their capabilities gradually expanded until they reach full operational readiness.

One of the first steps in developing Poland’s domestic missile industry is expected to be the establishment of a joint venture to produce CGR-080 rockets, with a range of approximately 80 kilometers, for the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

Over the next several years, Polish companies are expected to master their production and establish a technological foundation for the further development of the country’s missile capabilities.

Meanwhile, Poland is assessing the availability and development potential of strike UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. The country may pursue these projects independently or in cooperation with foreign allies.

According to the general, in addition to developing strike capabilities, Poland also needs to strengthen its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities required to detect targets, determine their coordinates, and assess the results of strikes.