Poland plans to have 12 reconnaissance satellites by the end of 2027

Poland expects to have a total of 12 reconnaissance satellites by the end of 2027, Colonel Leszek Paszkowski, head of the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS), says in an interview with Space24.pl, cited by Defence24 on 3 November 2026. This specific target has been reported only by that source. At the time of publication, Flank has found no independent confirmation of the full announced plan.

Two more radar and two more optical satellites

According to Paszkowski, Poland already has eight satellites in orbit — four MikroSAR radar satellites and four MikroGlob optical satellites. They are due to be joined by two more radar satellites under the MikroSAR programme and two Pleiades Neo optical satellites supplied by France for POLEOS.

If the plan is fulfilled, the constellation will comprise six radar and six optical satellites. This is a calculation based on the numbers given by the head of ARGUS, not confirmation of the future operational configuration.

What is being reported about Poland’s satellite programmes

Two other media reports cover individual developments in Poland’s satellite programmes. The Polish Armed Forces received the POLSARIS system from ICEYE in May 2026, Rzeczpospolita reports; it includes four radar satellites.

The same publication reports that a Falcon 9 launched the final three MikroGLOB electro-optical satellites on 1 October. The expected deadline for military acceptance of the satellites is March 2027, and they are currently undergoing testing.

When assessing the reported eight satellites, it is important to distinguish between their presence in orbit and the completion of testing and readiness for all planned tasks. The two reports support part of the picture, but establish neither the total of eight satellites nor the target of 12 by the end of 2027.

Control over tasking matters, not just numbers

In an interview with Space24.pl, cited by Defence24, Paszkowski describes the transition from efforts to obtain individual images of areas where something important is happening to having Poland’s own satellites and control over their full operational resources. According to ARGUS, the aim is not simply to obtain more images, but to strengthen national control over intelligence surveillance.

In Flank’s assessment, this control could provide greater freedom in setting priorities. However, the military benefit also depends on the time between assigning a task and receiving a usable intelligence product. The number of satellites alone proves neither persistent surveillance nor an immediate targeting capability.

The operational status of all eight satellites cited remains unclear, as do the timetable for adding the next four and the measurable performance indicators for surveillance, image processing and delivery. This is a developing story, and information may be added as further confirmation of launches and entry into service becomes available.