UCAVs To Replace Poland’s Su-22 Fighter Aircraft Fleet

In a military first, Poland will do away entirely with its aging fleet of Su-22 fighter aircraft with the latest in Unmanned Strike Aircraft (UCAV) systems.

Deputy Defense Minister Waldemar Skrzypczak made the announcement today calling the Soviet-built Sukhoi Su-22 strike aircraft “obsolete” but did not specify the type and number of UCAVs that will be inducted.

"We are looking at possibly swapping some of our Su-22 fleet for long-range pilotless systems with high strike capability," Skrzypczak said on the Poland and World program. Skrzypczak has responsibility for defense procurement.

Skrzypczak, without mentioning the possible supplier, said that Poland will buy about 30 UCAVs by 2018.

He also said that the country was mulling over the possibility of acquiring a multirole transport aircraft “possibly from Israel”.


Source: defenseworld.net News - 14 August 2012

Photo: The Poland Air Force Sukhoi Su-22UM-3K Fitter Fighter Aircraft at RIATV(Photo by wikimedia.org)

(14.08.2012)