According to Unimot, the company will contribute an initial investment of PLN 400,000 (approx. $100,000), securing a 40% equity stake in PZL Defence.
The project is being developed in partnership with PZL Sędziszów — an experienced manufacturer of components for the defense industry — and a Ukrainian partner with real-world combat experience gained during the ongoing war.
PZL Defence was founded on July 21, 2025, and is currently undergoing registration. On July 24, 2025, Unimot signed a memorandum of understanding with PZL Sędziszów and PZL Defence, confirming their strategic cooperation in the field of advanced defense technologies. Under the agreement, Unimot will acquire a 40% stake in the company upon completion of the registration process. The initial equity structure allocates 10% to PZL Sędziszów and 50% to the Ukrainian partner.
Following the investment phase and regulatory approvals, PZL Defence plans to begin with the production of civilian drones, later expanding to military UAVs and counter-drone systems designed to protect critical infrastructure.
“We see the growing importance of unmanned technologies for regional security. That’s why we want to be part of a project that combines Polish engineering with the unique expertise of our Ukrainian partners — tested not in simulations but on the battlefield,” said Adam Sikorski, Chairman of the Management Board of Unimot.
PZL Sędziszów (Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze) will contribute its experience in precision engineering as well as access to modern production facilities, laboratories, and technical infrastructure. The plant has over 85 years of history and currently manufactures filters for Rosomak armored vehicles and Leonardo helicopters under defense sector licenses.
The PZL Defence team will include experts from both Poland and Ukraine, combining military and industrial experience. In the future, the company plans to establish an R&D center focused on the development of reconnaissance and strike drones, loitering munitions, and anti-drone technologies.
The PZL Defence initiative responds to the evolving realities of modern warfare. Since 2022, Russia has launched more than 28,000 Shahed drones against Ukraine, and according to Ukrainian intelligence, this number could rise to 500 drones per night. These dynamics underscore the urgent need for effective anti-drone capabilities in both defensive and offensive operations.
“Our goal is to work with our partners to create technologies that offer real solutions to these threats,” Sikorski added.
The initiative aligns with the long-term trend of rising defense expenditures across Europe. In 2025, Poland’s defense budget will reach a record PLN 186.6 billion (4.7% of GDP), with cumulative spending over 2025–2035 projected to hit PLN 1.9 trillion. The project also supports EU priorities such as the Readiness 2030 program and the SAFE initiative, which provide up to €800 billion in investment opportunities for the European defense industry via access to EIB financing and flexible budgetary frameworks.
