Poland is stepping up its defense game with the deployment of the cutting-edge WLKM rotary machine gun, a homegrown weapon designed to obliterate Russian drones lurking near NATO borders. Amid escalating aerial threats, this high-powered system is set to redefine Poland’s counter-drone capabilities.
The Polish Ministry of National Defense has greenlit the integration of the WLKM, developed by Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów (ZM Tarnów), into its armed forces. Deputy Defense Minister [Name] took to X to announce the move, emphasizing its critical role in countering the rising tide of Russian drone activity near Poland’s borders with Belarus and Kaliningrad. This decision underscores Poland’s commitment to safeguarding NATO’s eastern flank.
The WLKM, a four-barrel Gatling-style beast chambered in NATO-standard 12.7×99 mm (.50 BMG), boasts a jaw-dropping firing rate of up to 3,600 rounds per minute. Unlike older systems like the U.S. M134 Minigun, the WLKM is tailored for modern warfare, specifically targeting drone swarms and low-flying aircraft. Its versatility allows it to be mounted on remote weapon stations, ground vehicles, or fixed defenses, making it a cornerstone of Poland’s multi-layered counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) strategy.
Capable of engaging targets up to 2,000 meters away and 1,500 meters in altitude, the WLKM is a nightmare for Class I and II drones, including commercial quadcopters and loitering munitions. Live-fire tests have proven its ability to shred small drones with pinpoint precision, offering a rapid-response solution for protecting military bases, airfields, and critical infrastructure. Its NATO-compatible logistics and low-maintenance design make it a standout for both Polish forces and potential export markets.
Poland’s adoption of the WLKM is part of a broader military modernization push, alongside acquisitions like HIMARS, M1A2 Abrams tanks, K2 Black Panther tanks, and F-35 fighters. The rotary gun fills a vital gap between small arms and missile-based air defenses, providing a cost-effective way to neutralize low-cost drone threats that often evade traditional radar systems. As Colonel Marek Stasik, a defense consultant, noted, “The WLKM isn’t just a weapon—it’s Poland telling the world it can tackle emerging threats head-on with homegrown innovation.”
Russian drones have increasingly probed Polish airspace, with incidents raising concerns about reconnaissance and potential disruptions. The WLKM, paired with advanced electro-optical systems and possibly networked detection grids, gives Polish forces the upper hand in intercepting these threats swiftly. This capability is especially crucial as drone warfare tactics, seen in conflicts like Ukraine, grow more sophisticated.
Poland’s strategy blends kinetic and electronic countermeasures, creating a robust defense against drone swarms. NATO allies are eyeing the WLKM’s deployment as a potential blueprint for their own anti-drone systems. With production ramping up at ZM Tarnów and training programs in development, the gun will soon guard key sites like airbases and logistic hubs in eastern Poland.
The WLKM’s rollout marks a pivotal moment for Poland’s defense industry, showcasing its ability to deliver battle-ready solutions tailored to 21st-century threats. As Poland transforms into a NATO powerhouse, this rotary gun sends a clear message: it’s ready to defend its borders with unmatched firepower.
