Polish army joins efforts to secure power grid against drone threats
National operator PSE partners with armed forces to protect transformer stations as critical infrastructure faces sabotage linked to foreign interference.
| Sectors | Power Grids, Distribution |
|---|---|
| Themes | Policy & Geopolitics, Critical Infrastructure |
Polish electricity transmission system operator Polskie Sieci Energetyczne (PSE) has signed an agreement with the armed forces’ general staff to strengthen the protection of its infrastructure in response to rising threats, particularly drone incursions. The partnership includes joint training sessions, strategic information sharing, and military assistance in acquiring anti-drone defence systems.
The cooperation follows a deterioration in national security since 2022. Incidents of sabotage, arson and drone incursions have targeted key assets, culminating in a railway explosion in November. Polish authorities have blamed these acts on coordinated operations by Russia, which denies involvement.
A vulnerable power grid
PSE operates a network comprising more than 16,000 kilometres of high-voltage lines and around 110 transformer stations, serving as critical nodes for national power transmission. The agreement will enable the military to intervene more rapidly and effectively in these areas. Joint drills between PSE’s security teams and the army are also planned to enhance operational readiness.
PSE Chief Executive Grzegorz Onichimowski stated that these installations have strategic importance, connecting the Baltic system to the rest of Europe. He said this part of the infrastructure requires special attention due to its central role in the regional energy grid.
Support pending EU funding
At the same time, PSE and its Baltic counterparts have applied for European Union funding to improve the protection of vulnerable facilities. The agreement signed this week represents an additional step in partially militarising the security of Poland’s power grid.
Discussions are also underway to coordinate energy sector operations with military needs, especially to prevent wind farm development from interfering with low-altitude military air corridors. Information-sharing protocols are being developed to respond more efficiently to threats similar to the drone incursions observed in September.
