Poland advances laser air defense program as 20 companies join market consultations

Poland's Armament Agency has confirmed that 20 companies have registered to participate in preliminary market consultations for a planned laser directed energy weapon program, marking another step in the country's effort to expand advanced air defense technologies. The consultations are intended to assess available industrial capabilities before a formal procurement process begins.

The program, known as the Laser Directed Energy Weapon System (LSBSE), was first announced in March and focuses on developing laser based systems capable of countering unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the agency, the requirement also includes the ability to engage artillery and rocket threats, indicating a broader counter rocket, artillery, and mortar mission.

The Armament Agency is evaluating two system variants. One would provide a minimum engagement range of one kilometer, while the second would extend that range to at least three kilometers. The consultations are designed to help define technical requirements and identify solutions that could meet the Polish Armed Forces' operational needs.

The level of industry participation suggests strong interest from both domestic and international defense companies. Among the systems attracting attention is Türkiye's IŞIK high energy laser demonstrator, although the consultation phase does not represent a competitive tender or indicate a preferred supplier.

Laser directed energy weapons are receiving increasing attention across NATO as militaries seek lower cost methods of countering drones and other emerging aerial threats. If the LSBSE program proceeds to procurement, it would further strengthen Poland's ongoing modernization of its integrated air and missile defense architecture.