Poland's anti-drone 'monster' sparks global military interest
The Polish anti-drone system from Tarnów Mechanical Works is drawing global attention. With its unique design and innovative approach, it attracts interest from Ukrainians and Russians alike. Let's explore what this weapon is and why it is gaining such interest.
Poland has emerged as a pioneer in anti-drone defense with a system that the media has dubbed the "Monster from Tarnów." This is not an overstatement, as this weapon addresses the growing challenges associated with drone attacks observed during the war in Ukraine. Drones pose a significant threat and are increasingly used in armed conflicts. Therefore, solutions like the one from Tarnów are gaining importance.
Modern technology and innovative approach
The Tarnów anti-drone system boasts an impressive firing rate of up to 3,600 rounds per minute. Equipped with the WLKM machine gun featuring a 12.7 mm caliber, the weapon can effectively neutralize drones from a distance of up to 1.2 miles. The system was publicly unveiled at the MSPO trade fair, capturing the attention of international media.
The weapon weighs about 2,425 pounds (1,543 pounds for the armament module with the machine gun and 450 rounds of ammunition, 661 pounds for the mount, and 220 pounds for the radar). The system has been under development since 2018.
International interest
The "Monster from Tarnów" has captured attention not only from Ukraine but also Russia. Ukrainian military services consider it a pragmatic and innovative solution that can be easily integrated with other systems. The system's presence on the international stage indicates potential export opportunities, especially in light of current military trends.
The Ukrainian service MIL.IN.UA described the "Monster from Tarnów" as effective not only against drones but also capable of combating live forces and ground equipment. Meanwhile, according to the Ukrainian online portal Glawkom, the real threats associated with drones have made the development of weaponry by Tarnów Mechanical Works a response to the latest challenges of military technology. The Polish system has also sparked interest in the Russian daily "Rossijskaya Gazeta" and the Romanian trade portal Defense Romania.
Outlook for the future
Tarnów Mechanical Works has previously reported that the system can operate in three different modes. The first is manual mode, where the operator uses a manipulator to manually aim the system at the target. In semi-automatic mode, the operator receives assistance through automatic target tracking. In automatic mode, the final decision to fire is made by the operator based on the system's indications.
Representatives of Tarnów Mechanical Works acknowledge that the system may soon enter serial production. Currently, efforts are underway to further develop and optimize it, including integration with combat vehicles. The company is also working on electromagnetic systems that could further enhance air defense effectiveness.
