The “Wizjer,” built by Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 (WZL2) in Bydgoszcz, fell onto parked cars in the city a few days ago, Onet reported.
Similar malfunctions had occurred earlier, according to the outlet, which said it obtained a military report detailing the scale of problems.
Unveiled in March 2025 as a mini reconnaissance drone weighing 13 kg with a 3-meter wingspan and a 30-km range, the system had been promoted as a leap toward a modern, sovereign army.
The report from operator training in Drawsko Pomorskie and Inowrocław describes a ground control application that repeatedly froze, leading the drone to misread altitude and deploy an emergency parachute.
Because a line was folded incorrectly, the parachute detached, and the aircraft hit the ground, it said.
In another incident, operators lost the link for 40 minutes and a propeller was damaged. Investigators attributed failures to both technical faults and limited operator experience.
Nearly 20 issues were listed, including incompatibility with other military systems, data recording on CDs, and reliance on GPS that prevents flights where signals are jammed. A white-red parachute aids recovery during drills but “significantly” increases detectability of operators and landing sites, the report said. In its current configuration, the system “does not meet operational requirements” and should be used only for training.
Poland’s Armament Agency called the report’s contents “subjective” and “incomplete,” insisting the “Wizjer” meets armed forces’ requirements. WZL2 said the drone was accepted into service, confirming it met specifications.
Officers quoted by Onet criticized the purchase, saying decision-makers pressed ahead despite internal objections that the system offered limited value and would not perform in real combat.
Experts cited by the outlet said ambition trumped needs, with one senior commander arguing the project should be closed after such findings.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24, Onet