The Polish Border Guard (Straż Graniczna, SG) has announced a strategic move to reinforce the nation’s security and its responsibilities for protecting the European Union’s (EU) external borders, formally commissioning two additional Let L-410 UVP-E20 Turbolet patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. This latest procurement, combined with the two existing aircraft in service since 2020, increases the size of the SG’s high-capacity Turbolet fleet to four aircraft, marking a significant modernization of Poland’s aerial surveillance capabilities. The primary mission of these new-generation assets is to patrol both Poland’s land and sea borders and actively participate in international operations dedicated to safeguarding the EU’s external frontier.
Central to this capacity increase is the advanced technology housed within the new platforms. The SG emphasizes that these aircraft possess some of the best mission management systems available, along with real-time satellite data transmission capabilities. These systems include the critical components of OPTIMARE’s MEDUSA® Mission Management System, a 360° surveillance radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and broadband satellite communication (SATCOM). This real-time data relay capability allows for immediate, actionable intelligence to be supplied to ground and maritime command centers, significantly accelerating reaction time to potential threats and enhancing coordination with other services.
Furthermore, other key features boosting the aircraft’s operational utility include enhanced durability and performance suitable for demanding mission profiles. The Turbolet L-410 UVP-E20 is equipped with an extended fuel system, providing flight endurance of up to six hours. Moreover, thanks to the oxygen installation system, the aircraft is capable of performing duties at higher flight altitudes, up to 6,000 meters (20,000 ft). This capability offers the advantage of scanning a wide area with sensors while guaranteeing full-capacity operation in all weather conditions, day or night. The aircraft is manufactured by the Czech-based Aircraft Industries, and the supply contract was won by the consortium of Aero Club and JB Investments.
However, reaching the full potential of this strategic investment will take time. Although the physical delivery of the airframes is planned by the end of 2024, the comprehensive integration and certification of the sophisticated mission equipment mean that the start date for Full Operational Capability (FOC) is set for the period between November and December 2025. This marks an integration period of approximately one year, underscoring how vital the meticulous calibration of advanced technology systems is for modern reconnaissance capabilities. The procurement process saw the allocated budget of 120 million PLN (approximately 119,999,784.00 PLN) almost entirely utilized, indicating the highly competitive and specific nature of the tender.
In parallel, another crucial pillar of achieving full operational readiness is the investment in qualified personnel. The Border Guard Headquarters also issued a tender for comprehensive training courses, including theoretical, simulator, and practical instruction, for four pilots (constituting two full crews) to obtain the necessary TR L-410 qualifications. These training sessions are aimed for completion by October 2025. Furthermore, the SG made a significant investment in long-term pilot training and sustainment capability by deciding to procure a flight simulator (FNPT II MCC class) specifically for the L-410 UVP E-20 aircraft. This represents a strategic step toward ensuring the fleet’s sustained operational consistency.
Ultimately, this modernization directly addresses the current geopolitical challenges facing Poland. The new aircraft enhance the nation’s ability to counter hybrid threats, such as the persistent organized migratory pressure along the border with Belarus, thereby strengthening Poland’s position in securing the EU’s external borders. Finally, the L-410s solidify Poland’s key role within the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex. The existing L-410 aircraft are already utilized as part of the resource pool for Frontex, which is headquartered in Warsaw. This vital role was recently highlighted in May 2023, when an SG L-410, performing a routine Frontex-coordinated patrol mission over international airspace in the Black Sea, was subjected to aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by a Russian Su-35 fighter jet. The incident validates the critical and determined nature of Poland’s investment in these advanced surveillance platforms in a high-risk security environment.
