GLADIUS reconnaissance and strike system
The GLADIUS reconnaissance and strike system is designed to perform aerial reconnaissance and strike missions using specialized unmanned aerial platforms. GLADIUS can be used in battery formations, as part of autonomous platoons, or in sections supporting other units. All components are connected via the TOPAZ Integrated Combat Management System.
The GLADIUS system can include various types of unmanned aerial vehicles launched from vehicles equipped with a universal launcher, although it is also possible to use a separate towed launcher. An exemplary configuration is a combination of FT-5 reconnaissance drones with WARMATE 5/10 loitering munitions, as well as their advanced strike variants developed for the Polish Army, such as BSP-U (unmanned search and strike systems) and BSP-UT (training version of the unmanned search and strike systems).
In the configuration adopted by the Polish Armed Forces, FT-5 tactical UAV within the GLADIUS system are used for reconnaissance missions. They are equipped with sensors that enable the detection and tracking of objects in the visible spectrum (FT-5 IMINT), using synthetic aperture radar (FT-5 SAR) and in the radio-electronic emission spectrum (FT-5 ELINT).
Unmanned search and strike systems (BSP-U) are used for strike missions, performed with various types of warheads, including fragmentation and cumulative warheads.
A modification of the BSP-U is it’s training variant: BSP-UT. These reusable platforms are equipped with training warheads, which are equivalent to combat warheads in terms of mass and dimensions. They perform the identical set of missions as the BSP-U, but without the ability to destroy objects.
The GLADIUS system can include a Mobile Analysis Station. The TOPAZ command system application used in it allows for the analysis of data recorded by unmanned aerial vehicles using EyeQ artificial intelligence mechanisms. Similar algorithms are also used for image analysis on board the unmanned aerial vehicles themselves.
Other components of the GLADIUS system may include armored battery- and platoon-level Command Vehicles, which coordinate and monitor reconnaissance and strike operations using proprietary communication systems.
Launcher Vehicles are fitted with a universal launching system compatible with all unmanned aerial vehicles used within the GLADIUS system. This ensures full interchangeability in the event of launcher damage or destruction.
The GLADIUS system is also supported by Ammunition Vehicles and Technical Support Vehicles. The former ensure the transport of selected unmanned systems to launcher platforms, while the latter enable fault diagnostics and field repairs.
All unmanned systems and vehicles shown in the photos were delivered to the Polish Armed Forces as presented.
📄 Download brochure