Drones for F-35A Lightning II - Poland may purchase MQ-28 Ghost Bat attack drones for fifth-generation fighters

The US Air Force is actively working to enable pilots of fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets to use winged drones in combat. Poland, which has ordered the F-35A Lightning II, is also eyeing UAV integration.

Here's What We Know

The European country is evaluating the market as it is interested in building a fleet of winged drones. Poland intends to use drones alongside the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

The Ministry of National Defence is now conducting a market assessment of joint-use unmanned combat aircraft. The acquisition will take place under Harpy's Talon programme.

At the moment, Poland is only evaluating all options and is far from the procurement stage. One of the candidates is the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone, which is developed by Boeing's Australian division. Also on the interest list are American UAVs to be built under the CCA (Collaborative Combat Aircraft) programme for the US Air Force.

Note that in the coming weeks Poland plans to sign a contract for the purchase of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. They will be used to monitor the eastern border. Now this task is performed by MQ-9A Reaper drones leased from the US.

Source: Janes