The IRYDA PLUS (IRYDA+) project was officially launched by a strategic consortium consisting of MBF Group S.A., Squadron Sp. z o.o. (part of the ASE Group) and the Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Polish Industrial Lobby (PLP).
IRYDA PLUS is Europe’s first unmanned fighter aircraft (hard-kill C-UAS) designed to combat drones, drone swarms and loitering munitions. The system combines high speed (250–280 km/h), many hours of flight autonomy and 360° weaponry in a gun pod, supported by artificial intelligence. The project’s motto is “VERRIMUS CAELUM – we sweep the sky”.
“Today, a rocket costing over a million dollars is used to shoot down a drone worth a few thousand dollars. IRYDA PLUS reverses this logic – it provides a fast, effective and much cheaper solution. Poland has a chance to become a pioneer in the new economy of air combat,” emphasise representatives of the consortium.
The project was created in response to the growing threat posed by cheap drones used in armed conflicts and attacks on critical infrastructure. The system’s applications include the protection of borders, strategic facilities, own troops, as well as UN and NATO peacekeeping missions.
In recent weeks, initial information about the project has been provided to selected representatives of the Polish authorities, who have expressed preliminary interest in the solution. At the same time, the consortium is planning to meet with individuals and companies that have expressed their willingness to participate financially in the project, from the demonstrator phase to full production.
The consortium combines unique competencies:
- MBF Group S.A. – project leader, a company listed on the NewConnect market, responsible for the business and strategic side, currently managed by Col. Janusz Czarnecki, who held command, staff and management positions during his service,
- Squadron Sp. z o.o. (ASE Group) – a team of engineers and military personnel with theoretical and practical experience in UAVs and anti-drone systems (including Major Grzegorz Trzeciak, former commander of an unmanned reconnaissance aircraft squadron),
- Polish Industrial Lobby (PLP) – scientific, expert and promotional support, led by Prof. Paweł Soroka, promoter of Polish industry on the international arena.
The development of the system envisages three main stages: construction of a demonstrator, ground and flight tests, and then integration into a fully operational version. The first combat-capable units may enter service within 2–3 years.
The IRYDA PLUS project opens a new chapter in the development of Polish defence technologies, providing an opportunity to create an innovative product with global export potential.
