Military Prosecutor Investigates Plywood Decoy Drone Found Near Konin

The military department of the prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into a drone found on the grounds of a mine in Gałczyce near Konin. The object, discovered in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, was described by investigators as a primitive decoy made of plywood. Authorities confirmed that the craft was not armed and did not carry any explosive materials. Forensic activities at the site were completed during the night between March 12 and March 13, 2026. Preliminary assessments by the services suggest that the object may have been located on Polish territory for a significant amount of time before its discovery.

The found device is characterized by its simple construction, which resembles a military-style unmanned aerial vehicle but is built from basic materials. Investigators identified the craft as a decoy intended to mimic a more sophisticated threat. Despite its appearance, the absence of weaponry or hazardous substances meant there was no immediate danger to the mining facility or the local population. The military department of the prosecutor's office took over the case from local law enforcement to determine the origin and flight path of the device. Experts are currently analyzing the structure to identify any markings or electronic components that could point to its source.

The discovery in Gałczyce has raised questions regarding the monitoring of Polish airspace and the potential for low-cost drones to remain undetected. Security services have not yet confirmed whether the object originated from across the national border or was part of a local incident. The military department is expected to conduct a technical examination of the plywood frame and any internal systems. This investigation follows a protocol for unidentified aerial objects found within the country's borders, particularly those appearing near critical infrastructure like mines. No arrests have been made in connection with the find, and the area has been cleared for normal operations.

Konin is a major industrial hub in central Poland, serving as the center of the Konin Brown Coal Basin with several large-scale open-pit mines. The region has historically been vital to Poland's energy sector due to its lignite deposits and associated power plants. In recent years, Polish security services have increased their vigilance regarding unidentified aerial objects following several incidents involving balloons and drones entering the country's airspace from the east. Previous findings in other parts of Poland have included both reconnaissance equipment and meteorological tools, leading to the establishment of specific military protocols for such discoveries.