Ukraine's Drone Surge Outpaces NATO, Drives Polish Army Modernization

Ukraine plans to produce up to 7 million small FPV attack drones by the end of 2026, a volume that exceeds the combined output of all NATO members and the United States. Travis Metz, operating director of the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit, said the United States is still in the early stages of mass‑producing such drones and expects to order just under 200,000 units by February 2027, but believes it will eventually catch up with Ukraine.

In Poland, the armed forces are testing a new organization called “Model 44,” which will replace part of the Rosomak armored‑vehicle companies in several mechanised brigades with dedicated unmanned‑weapon companies. The pilot, running in the 12th and 17th Mechanised Brigades, reduces the number of Rosomak transporters and adds drone units capable of detecting, identifying and engaging targets up to about 30 km away—more than double the current range. Production of chassis and other components for the system is underway, with the first vehicles slated to leave the factory before the end of 2026. If the trial proves successful, the model could become the standard structure for Polish battalions under the 2025‑2039 Force Development Programme.