Poland launches terror investigation after drone factory fire

Polish authorities have opened a terrorism investigation into a fire at a factory that produces components for drones supplied to the Ukrainian military.

The National Prosecution Office announced the investigation on Monday, saying it was examining whether a foreign intelligence service had been involved in an act directed against Poland.

Investigators are also examining whether the blaze was deliberately started using a device containing flammable materials.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight at a facility operated by WB Electronics in Skarzysko-Kamienna, south of Warsaw. Firefighters took about two hours to bring the blaze under control.

The factory produces important components for drones used by both Polish and Ukrainian armed forces.

Polish officials have not released details about what may have caused the fire or whether investigators have identified any suspects. The country's Internal Security Agency is assisting police with the investigation.

Authorities said they were withholding further information because of the confidential nature of the investigation.

WB Electronics is one of Poland's largest privately owned defence companies. Its products include drones, loitering munitions, fire-control systems and military communications equipment.

Among its best-known systems are the FlyEye reconnaissance drone and the Warmate loitering munition, both of which are used by Ukrainian forces.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns across Europe about alleged Russian sabotage operations targeting infrastructure and companies supporting Ukraine.

Several European countries have reported incidents that authorities have linked or are examining for possible connections to Russian intelligence operations since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in August that a Russian citizen had been detained after allegedly being recruited by Russian intelligence services to carry out an assassination in Warsaw.

Germany also reported the discovery of an unexploded drone at an airport earlier in August, adding to wider European concerns about security threats connected to the war in Ukraine.

Poland has significantly strengthened its military and security capabilities in response to the threat posed by Russia. The country has also increased defence spending and expanded efforts to protect critical infrastructure and military supply chains.

The latest investigation is expected to focus on whether the factory fire was an isolated incident or part of a wider effort to disrupt Poland's defence industry and its support for Ukraine.

WB Electronics remains an important supplier to Poland's armed forces as Warsaw continues to expand its military capabilities and provide support to Ukraine.