Seven acoustic reconnaissance solutions are being tested during the ongoing trials. These systems can locate sound sources, including detecting incoming drones, determining their direction of approach, and tracking and classifying objects. They incorporate artificial intelligence tools and are ready for integration with military command systems.
From April 13 to 17 this year, also at the Ustka training range, tests were conducted of eight electronic warfare (EW) solutions. These included, among other capabilities, signal detection and jamming.
The tests are another stage of work initiated by the Ministry of National Defence’s Department of Innovation in early 2025. To date, more than 715 proposals for innovative solutions have been submitted from various technological areas, including sensors, autonomous systems, military engineering and logistics, communications, and cybersecurity. The proposals have come from universities and companies – both large enterprises and startups – as well as foreign entities. The submissions include technologies that directly address current operational needs, as well as solutions being developed within domestic supply chains, strengthening the state’s resilience.
Submissions are systematically analyzed by specialized working groups, which assess their potential for operational testing and possible implementation in the Polish Armed Forces. So far, 36 solutions have been tested in conditions close to actual combat operations.
As part of last year’s Iron Gate 25 exercise, conducted by the 18th Mechanized Division, 21 technologies were tested, including unmanned aerial and ground systems, fortification elements, camouflage systems, communications systems, and optical reconnaissance systems (Innovations for Poland’s East Shield Program: Over 660 Submissions, Field Tests and Deployments).
Preparations are also underway for further tests. Invitations have been sent to 17 companies that will take part in trials during exercises of the 16th Mechanized Division, held as part of the Amber Defender 26 exercise federation and planned for June this year.
Once the current tests have been completed, a detailed report will be prepared for the Minister of National Defence. Military experts will also prepare recommendations on the potential of the technologies being examined and the possibility of their implementation.
The National Deterrence and Defence Programme – East Shield is a comprehensive undertaking aimed at strengthening national security, encompassing both infrastructure development and the implementation of modern technologies. The project involves a wide range of public institutions and industrial partners, while also building public awareness of defence issues. Its aim is to deter potential threats, protect soldiers and civilians, and develop Poland’s defence capabilities in cooperation with allies.
Testy operacyjne innowacyjnych rozwiązań dla programu „Tarcza Wschód” 🇵🇱
Na Centralnym Poligonie Sił Powietrznych w Ustce prowadzone są testy nowoczesnych technologii rozwijanych na potrzeby programu Tarcza Wschód
Obecnie sprawdzanych jest siedem systemów z zakresu rozpoznania… pic.twitter.com/yxEZUxAweU— Sztab Generalny WP (@SztabGenWP) April 23, 2026
„Rewolucja dronowa dzieje się na naszych oczach, my nie możemy być obok tej wielkiej lekcji, która płynie do nas z Ukrainy. Jesteśmy w trakcie absolutnej rewolucji dronowej w Wojsku Polskim” – mówił wiceminister @CTomczyk podczas konferencji prasowej podsumowującej testy… pic.twitter.com/aMtzI7li9X
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) April 22, 2026