WARSAW / USTKA — April 24, 2026 : Poland has begun a new phase of operational testing for acoustic reconnaissance systems and electronic warfare (EW) systems at the Central Air Force Proving Ground in Ustka, as part of the Ministry of National Defense’s accelerated technology evaluation framework under the Tarcza Wschód (Shield East) program.
The trials form part of a broader effort to strengthen Poland’s eastern and northern defensive posture, particularly along its borders with Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The Shield East initiative, first announced in May 2024 with an initial allocation of 10 billion Polish złoty (approximately $2.5 billion), combines infrastructure development, military capability enhancement, and civilian resilience measures.
Acoustic Systems Under Evaluation
Seven acoustic reconnaissance systems are currently undergoing operational testing at the Ustka range. These systems are designed to detect and localize sound sources, identify incoming drones, determine their direction of approach, and track and classify aerial objects.
According to manufacturer submissions, the platforms incorporate artificial intelligence tools capable of distinguishing drone acoustic signatures—such as rotor and motor noise—from background environmental sounds. The systems are also designed to integrate with Polish military command and control networks, enabling near real-time transmission of detection and tracking data.
Acoustic reconnaissance provides a passive sensing capability, complementing traditional radar and optical systems. Unlike active sensors, acoustic systems do not emit signals, reducing the risk of detection by adversaries while maintaining effectiveness against low-altitude or low-observable aerial platforms.
Electronic Warfare Trials Completed
The acoustic trials follow a completed round of electronic warfare (EW) evaluations conducted at the same Ustka facility between April 13 and April 17, 2026. During that period, eight EW systems were tested for their ability to detect and disrupt radio frequency signals used by unmanned aerial systems.
These systems focus on identifying control, navigation, and data transmission links between drones and their operators. By jamming or interfering with these signals, EW platforms can disrupt or neutralize drone operations without requiring kinetic engagement.
Defense specialists involved in the program assess that combining acoustic detection with EW capabilities creates a layered counter-drone architecture. Acoustic systems enable passive detection and tracking, while EW systems address the electronic dependencies of unmanned platforms, including command links and telemetry.
Technology Evaluation Framework
The Ustka trials are organized and overseen by the Ministry of National Defense’s Department of Innovation, which launched a comprehensive technology evaluation initiative at the beginning of 2025.
Since its inception, the program has received more than 715 submissions across a wide range of defense technology domains. These include sensors, autonomous systems, military engineering, logistics, communications, and cybersecurity. Submissions have been provided by universities, major defense contractors, startup companies, and foreign entities.
Specialized working groups composed of military experts systematically review each proposal, assessing its suitability for operational testing and potential integration into the Polish Armed Forces.
To date, 36 systems have advanced to testing under conditions designed to replicate real combat environments.
Previous Field Testing and Exercises
A significant portion of earlier evaluations was conducted during the Żelazna Brama 25 (Iron Gate 25) exercises held in 2025 by the 18th Mechanized Division. These exercises provided a structured environment for testing 21 technologies, including unmanned aerial and ground systems, optical reconnaissance equipment, communications systems, camouflage solutions, and fortification components.
The current Ustka trials build on that framework, with a stronger emphasis on counter-drone capabilities within the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain.
Reporting and Next Evaluation Phase
Following the completion of the ongoing tests in Ustka, the Department of Innovation will prepare a detailed report for the Minister of National Defense. The report will include technical assessments and military expert recommendations regarding each system’s operational effectiveness and feasibility for adoption.
The next evaluation milestone is scheduled for June 2026, when 17 कंपनियों (companies) will participate in further testing during the Amber Defender 26 exercise federation. These trials will involve units from the 16th Mechanized Division and are expected to expand the scope of technology validation under field conditions.
Strategic Context of Shield East
The Tarcza Wschód program integrates these technology trials into a broader national defense strategy. In addition to ISR and counter-drone systems, the initiative includes the construction of physical defensive infrastructure such as barriers, bunkers, and anti-tank obstacles.
The program’s objectives include deterrence of potential threats, protection of military personnel and civilians, and the development of domestic defense capabilities in cooperation with allied partners.
No detailed information has been released regarding specific manufacturers participating in the Ustka trials or the performance outcomes of the systems under evaluation. The Ministry of National Defense continues to assess submitted technologies for possible integration into Poland’s defense structure.
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