Boryszew, a Polish industrial group, has launched a production line for the Hornet drone, often referred to as the 'Polish Shahed’. Developed in partnership with the Air Force Institute of Technology, the unmanned aerial vehicle is already attracting interest from potential buyers, with the first inquiries arriving within an hour of the announcement.
The line, located in Sochaczew, is currently producing a trial series. Full serial production is expected to begin once the company obtains the required licence. Under a cooperation agreement signed on 17 October 2025, Boryszew is financing research and development, covering the costs of the trial batch, and leasing industrial space to the subsidiary Hornet – Polskie Drony.
– Wzmocnienie obronności to założenia największych gospodarek świata na minimum 10 lat. Trudno nie przestawić na ten typ produkcji grupy przemysłowej, która ma tak dużo kompetencji w obszarach powiązanych – said Wojciech Kowalczyk, CEO of Boryszew, highlighting the group’s unique capabilities in metals and chemicals relevant to defence.
Hornet – technical specifications and capabilities
The Hornet is a delta-wing, single-engine UAV with a pusher propeller. It measures 2.6 metres in length with a wingspan of 2.2 metres and weighs 85 kilograms. Its operational range varies depending on the configuration: 400 km in the basic version, extending to 900–1,200 km in enhanced variants. The drone can reach speeds exceeding 200 km/h.
Two main versions are planned. The PL-AT-1 is designed as an aerial target to simulate loitering munitions. The OWA (one-way attack) variant can carry a warhead of approximately 16–20 kilograms. The Air Force Institute of Technology, which holds the intellectual property rights, has designated the Hornet as a key project for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
Defence priorities and growing investments
Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk stressed that drone development is a priority for the Polish armed forces. He noted that defence spending on drones and anti-drone systems has surged from 100 million PLN in December 2023 to 26 billion PLN currently.
– Nie chodzi o to, żeby posiadać dziesiątki tysięcy dronów, ale żeby mieć możliwość wyprodukowania dziesiątek tysięcy w krótkim czasie – Tomczyk stated, adding that Poland is entering a new phase of building capabilities, including setting up drone laboratories in 20 army units.
The first inquiries about the Hornet came even before the official press conference. – Pierwsze zapytania o nasze drony otrzymaliśmy już godzinę po ogłoszeniu terminu konferencji prasowej – revealed Kowalczyk.
The Polish military plans to conduct further tests before placing orders. Most components are sourced domestically or from other EU countries, with a goal of full localisation. Boryszew’s strategy for 2025–2029 includes expanding specialised military and civilian production as part of its diversified portfolio spanning metals, chemicals, and manufacturing.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Paweł Supernak / PAP
