Poland and Ukraine have announced a sweeping new partnership aimed at bolstering their drone warfare capabilities, a move that comes just days after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace and forced a NATO military response. The agreement, unveiled on September 18, 2025, in Kyiv, underscores how the war in Ukraine is not only reshaping the battlefield but also the security calculations of neighboring countries.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz traveled to Kyiv to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal. The two signed a memorandum to create a joint working group for uncrewed systems, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two countries. As reported by the Associated Press, the agreement also lays the groundwork for joint military training programs and manufacturing projects that will focus on drone technology.
"We are taking our security cooperation to a new level in response to Russian terror, which threatens Ukraine and other European countries," Shmyhal declared after the signing, in a statement published by the Ukrainian government. Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed these sentiments, saying, "We will be signing an agreement concerning cooperation between the [defense] ministries, but also acquiring capabilities when it comes to operating drones," according to remarks published on the Polish Ministry of Defense website.
This partnership comes at a time of heightened tension in Eastern Europe. Just over a week before the agreement, Russian drones entered Polish airspace, exposing vulnerabilities in NATO’s defensive posture and prompting the alliance to scramble fighter jets. Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski reported that on the night of September 17-18, there was “increased activity of Belarusian and Russian drones which tried to cross into Polish airspace.” None of the drones succeeded, but the incident was a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by uncrewed aerial systems.
In response, Poland has kept its border closed to further provocations, while NATO has announced it will strengthen its defensive posture along its eastern flank, which borders Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. The alliance’s move reflects a broader concern that Russia’s war in Ukraine could spill over into neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, Moscow has been flexing its military muscle, conducting joint exercises with Belarus that showcased both conventional and nuclear forces. These drills, as highlighted by AP and other outlets, have raised alarm in Western capitals about Russia’s intentions and its willingness to escalate tensions.
For Ukraine, drones have become a central feature of its defense strategy since Russia’s invasion more than three years ago. The battlefield has been transformed by the rapid evolution of drone technology, with both sides deploying uncrewed systems for reconnaissance, attack, and defense. In the words of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, "Strikes on energy and railway infrastructure are meant to disrupt supply lines and create social tension," a tactic that has become increasingly common as the conflict grinds on.
Ukraine’s air force reported that, overnight before September 18, it had intercepted or jammed 48 out of 75 Russian drones launched at the country. Despite these successes, rail infrastructure was hit again, part of a pattern of strikes aimed at undermining Ukraine’s ability to move troops and supplies.
On the front lines, Ukraine has managed to mount a counteroffensive in the Donetsk region, reclaiming around 160 square kilometers (60 square miles) of territory and seven settlements. Nearly 100 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner, according to President Zelenskyy after a visit to the area. However, the scale of the challenge remains daunting. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on September 18 that Russia has over 700,000 troops on the front line, vastly outnumbering Ukrainian forces.
Against this backdrop, the new Polish-Ukrainian initiative aims to share battlefield experience and test innovative methods for intercepting drones. The two countries will exchange military know-how and work to ensure greater compatibility between their armed forces, a move that could prove crucial if the conflict spreads further west.
The agreement also has an industrial dimension. By pooling resources and expertise, Poland and Ukraine hope to accelerate the development and production of advanced drones. As reported by AP, this includes both defensive and offensive systems, reflecting the lessons learned from Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces.
Ukraine has not limited its drone operations to defense. In recent months, it has taken the fight deep into Russian territory. On September 18, two Ukrainian drones struck the neftekhim Salavat oil refinery in Bashkortostan, a Russian republic more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The attack started a fire but caused no casualties, according to regional governor Radiy Khabirov. An official in Ukraine’s Security Service confirmed responsibility for the strike, telling AP that the drones hit the refinery’s primary oil refining unit and sparked a large blaze.
These attacks are part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure. Russia is the world’s second-largest oil exporter, and revenue from its energy sector is vital to funding its war effort. Sustained Ukrainian drone strikes, combined with a seasonal rise in demand, have contributed to fuel shortages at Russian gas stations, according to analysts cited by AP.
Poland’s decision to draw on Ukraine’s battle-tested expertise reflects a growing recognition that the nature of modern warfare is changing rapidly. The days when tanks and infantry dominated the battlefield are giving way to an era where drones—cheap, agile, and increasingly lethal—can tip the balance of power. By joining forces, Poland and Ukraine hope to stay ahead of the curve and deter further Russian aggression.
It’s a partnership forged in crisis, but one that could have lasting implications for European security. As the war in Ukraine continues to evolve, so too does the alliance of its defenders, adapting to new threats with innovation, cooperation, and a determination to resist.