With a 20 HP ICE-electric hybrid engine, the drone claims a speed range of 74 to 170 miles per hour and can soar to altitudes over four miles.
Sept. 06, 2023 07:18 AM. EST. Poland has unveiled the HAASTA unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), which serves as a significant milestone for the country’s defense technology. The HAASTA drone is specifically designed to counter smaller airborne threats and is seen as a response to the evolving drone capabilities of nations such as China and Russia.
The Polish government’s official announcement of the HAASTA UAV noted the valuable insights gained from recent combat operations, hinting at the Ukraine conflict. This move is likely due to Russia’s utilization of Shahed-type drones in Ukraine and the advancements in drone technologies made by countries like China and Iran.
The HAASTA UAV adheres to the new STANAG 4703 standard, which has been specifically tailored for fixed-wing light unmanned aircraft. By conforming to this standard, Poland is adopting a proactive approach to addressing the emerging aerial threats posed by hostile nations.
The introduction of the HAASTA UAV not only reflects Poland’s commitment to advancing its defense technology but also serves as a benchmark for other nations exploring innovative drone capabilities. With the global landscape of drone technology experiencing rapid developments, Poland’s latest invention demonstrates its determination to maintain a strong position in this domain.
As drone technology continues to evolve, it is imperative for nations to bolster their defense capabilities to counter potential threats. The HAASTA UAV serves as a prime example of Poland’s dedication to overcoming the challenges posed by deadly Russian drones and enhances its defense capabilities in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
Interestingly, even Russian teenagers have demonstrated their capability to build Shahed-136 drones, underscoring the drone’s potential for state and non-state actors. HAASTA aims to neutralize such airborne threats, equipped with a 5.45mm underbelly-mounted machine gun specifically designed to bring down Shahed-type drones.
Coming to the specifics and as per earlier reports, China has replicated the Shahed-136 from Iran and has reportedly planned to deploy and manufacture it. Domestically called the Sunflower 200, China may also supply these to its ally.
Confidential papers reveal that Russia is allocating $2 billion for its drone program, with half of this amount—$1 billion—going to Iran for technology transfer. The objective is to supply Russia’s armed forces with an additional 6,000 kamikaze drones by September 2025, with two-thirds manufactured domestically.
Various news outlets have reported alarming labor conditions at Russia’s Geran-2 (domestic version of Shahed-136 ) drone production facility. Managed by Alexey Florov, the director of Albatross LLC, the factory is said to engage teenagers in what human rights group Protokol has called a “forced labor scheme.” These teenagers, working 12-hour shifts, assemble drones from Iranian-supplied kits.
Moreover, students who refuse to participate in what is claimed to be a volunteer work-study program face expulsion and fines. The factory, which aims to produce large numbers of Geran-2 drones, has not met its goals and currently produces 200 drones per month. Meanwhile, experienced Russian drone builders have criticized the project for its limited profit potential. Amidst these issues, Russia continues to use these drones to divert Ukrainian air defense resources, even as it plans to expand and automate the factory by 2024.
Conceived in partnership between Poland’s Łukasiewicz Institute of Aviation and the Italian firm EuroTech, HAASTA boasts advanced technical specifications. With a 20 HP ICE-electric hybrid engine, the drone claims a speed range of 74 to 170 miles per hour (119 to 274 k/h) and can soar to altitudes over four miles (six kilometers).
Unlike traditional UAVs requiring complex airport infrastructure, HAASTA can be launched from the air and land using a skid or a gliding parachute. On the communications front, it has an operating radius of 90 miles (30 km) with standard radio, extending to 50 miles (80 km) in a mesh system and 106 miles (170 km) with LoS link directional antennas. When connected to a satellite, its range becomes limited only by its fuel capacity, featuring an endurance of up to 10 hours.
