Warsaw’s current strike range is about to face a major rethink, driven by lessons from the war in Ukraine and new American weapons.
Poland has begun developing the capability to conduct precision strikes against ground targets at distances of more than 1,000 kilometers. Warsaw is considering strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles for this purpose.
Brigadier General Grzegorz Potzłuski, head of the Planning and Development Programming Directorate of the Polish Armed Forces, outlined the plans.
At present, the Polish Army can engage ground targets at a range of approximately 300 kilometers. It uses American ATACMS missiles and South Korean CTM-290 missiles for this purpose. At the same time, the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war has demonstrated the need for weapons capable of operating at a significantly greater range.
Poland to receive American long-range missiles
In addition to ground-based missile systems, the Polish Armed Forces plan to strengthen their air component with long-range cruise missiles. In May 2024, Poland’s Ministry of National Defence signed a contract to purchase several hundred American AGM-158 JASSM-ER air-to-surface missiles.
The deal is estimated to be worth approximately $735 million. The weapons are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2030.
Key characteristics of the AGM-158 JASSM-ER:
range – up to 1,000 kilometers;
warhead weight – 450 kilograms;
en-route guidance – using GPS;
target search and acquisition during the terminal phase – using an infrared camera.
Poland developing a doctrine for long-range strikes
The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces is already working on a doctrine for deep precision strikes. The document is intended to define the principles for developing the relevant military capabilities and establish requirements for future weapons systems for Poland’s defence industry.
Poland does not plan to create new military units for this purpose. Specialized units will be formed within existing structures, with their capabilities gradually expanded until they reach full combat readiness.
Development of Poland’s missile production
One of the first stages in developing the country’s own missile industry will be a joint venture to produce CGR-080 rockets for Homar-K multiple launch rocket systems. Their range is approximately 80 kilometers.
Over the course of several years, Polish companies are expected to master the production of these munitions. This is expected to create a technological foundation for the further production and improvement of missile weapons.
At the same time, Poland is assessing the availability and development prospects of strike drone systems, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. Such projects could be carried out independently or in partnership with foreign allies.
Polish military officials also emphasize that long-range strike capabilities must be developed alongside intelligence capabilities. This includes detecting targets, accurately determining their coordinates, and assessing the results of strikes.