Turkish Defence Giant ASELSAN Secures $410 Million Electronic Warfare Contract with Poland

ASELSAN has signed a major export contract with Poland covering the supply of electronic warfare systems for the Leopard 2PLM1 main battle tank, as part of a broader modernisation package that also includes reconnaissance systems and simulators. The agreement, disclosed via Türkiye’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), has a total value of approximately 410 million USD. Turkish Defence Giant ASELSAN Secures $410 Million Electronic Warfare Contract with Poland to deliver advanced electronic warfare capabilities that will significantly enhance Poland’s armoured force protection and battlefield awareness.

Poland Signs Landmark Electronic Warfare Deal

The Polish Ministry of National Defence announced the agreement during a live broadcast of the signing ceremony on its official YouTube channel. According to the ministry’s statement, the contract forms part of a wider equipment package for the Polish Armed Forces, encompassing electronic warfare capabilities, reconnaissance solutions and training simulators linked to the Leopard 2PLM1 programme.

While detailed technical specifications were not disclosed, the nature of the agreement and official statements indicate that ASELSAN will deliver electronic warfare, communications and counter-UAS solutions integrated into the tank modernisation effort. As the contract is explicitly framed as an electronic warfare agreement and no reference was made to kinetic interceptors, the counter-drone capability is assessed to rely on soft-kill methods such as radio-frequency jamming and electronic neutralisation rather than hard-kill interceptors.

Strategic Significance of the Agreement

Speaking at the ceremony, ASELSAN General Manager Ahmet Akyol underlined the company’s experience in electronic reconnaissance and electronic warfare. He said ASELSAN currently manages the largest infrastructure related to electronic reconnaissance and offers a broad portfolio of solutions, adding that the combination of these systems with the operational experience of Polish officers would significantly enhance battlefield security, deterrence and effectiveness.

Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said the contract, valued at around 2 billion złoty (approximately 410 million USD), covers electronic warfare, counter-drone and radio-frequency jamming systems capable of neutralising unmanned aerial threats.

Understanding the Leopard 2PLM1 Programme

The systems will support Poland’s Leopard 2PLM1 programme, which represents an incremental modernisation standard of the Leopard 2PL. The Leopard 2PL itself is Poland’s upgrade programme for Leopard 2A4 tanks acquired from Germany, implemented with Rheinmetall providing technical support and the PGZ group acting as prime contractor. The programme focuses on improving protection, firepower, optics and electronic subsystems.

The PLM1 standard constitutes the first operational refinement package following initial fielding. It introduces configuration updates based on early service experience, including improvements to electronic subsystem stability, power distribution and overall system reliability. Rather than a new variant, PLM1 reflects the transition of the Leopard 2PL to full operational maturity.

Technical Improvements Under PLM1

Based on open sources and statements from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the PLM1 standard includes reliability and calibration improvements to the fire-control system and thermal sights, enhanced electronic subsystem stability and improved EMI/EMC compliance, plus revisions to power distribution and cabling architecture. PLM1 is therefore not a new tank variant, but an operational maturity standard designed to address issues identified during initial deployment.

Market Impact and NATO Implications

The contract represents one of ASELSAN’s largest single export deals in the electronic warfare domain and highlights the company’s expanding footprint within NATO markets. Turkish Defence Giant ASELSAN Secures $410 Million Electronic Warfare Contract with Poland as part of a strategic partnership that strengthens interoperability between NATO allies. For Poland, the integration of electronic warfare, communications and soft-kill counter-UAS capabilities into its main battle tank fleet strengthens survivability and situational awareness, reinforcing the Leopard 2PLM1 as a core armoured capability on NATO’s eastern flank.

Poland’s Leopard 2 Modernisation Path

Leopard 2PLM1 refers to an interim (incremental) modernisation standard of the Leopard 2PL main battle tank at the Polish Army inventory. The upgrade path follows this progression: Leopard 2A4 to Leopard 2PL (baseline modernisation), then Leopard 2PL to Leopard 2PLM1 (first corrective and refinement standard). This reflects configuration updates introduced after operational experience revealed areas requiring enhancement.

The programme is carried out with Rheinmetall providing technical support, and Poland’s defence industry under the PGZ group acting as the prime contractor. The comprehensive approach focuses on improvements to protection, firepower, optics and electronic systems, ensuring the platform remains competitive against evolving threats.

Why This Deal Matters for NATO’s Eastern Flank

Poland considers the Leopard 2PL as a critical armoured capacity on NATO’s eastern frontier. The PLM1 standard demonstrates Poland’s commitment to maintaining these tanks at full operational readiness for extended frontline deployment. Turkish Defence Giant ASELSAN Secures $410 Million Electronic Warfare Contract with Poland through associated contracts for electronic warfare, reconnaissance and simulation systems, creating an integrated, combat-ready force structure that enhances deterrence capabilities.

The electronic warfare systems provided under this agreement will give Polish tank crews enhanced survivability against modern threats, including drones and electronic targeting systems. The soft-kill counter-UAS capabilities, relying on radio-frequency jamming and electronic neutralisation, represent a cost-effective and proven approach to protecting armoured formations from aerial reconnaissance and attack platforms.

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Strengthening Turkish-Polish Defence Ties

Turkish Defence Giant ASELSAN Secures $410 Million Electronic Warfare Contract with Poland, marking a significant milestone in Turkish-Polish defence cooperation. The contract strengthens Poland’s armoured warfare capabilities while expanding ASELSAN’s presence in European defence markets. As NATO’s eastern flank faces evolving security challenges, the integration of advanced electronic warfare systems into Poland’s main battle tank fleet provides crucial capabilities for modern combined-arms operations. The deal also validates ASELSAN’s technological competence in electronic warfare and counter-drone systems, positioning the company for future opportunities within NATO member states seeking similar capabilities.

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