Polish Firm Denies Role in Iranian Combat Drone Components

A Polish state-owned engineering firm, WSK Poznan, refuted allegations that its parts were used in Iranian combat drones. The company clarified that the ongoing probe pertains solely to export permits. The accusations arose from a report claiming the firm’s pumps ended up in Iranian drones used by Russia in Ukraine.

A Polish state-owned engineering company, WSK Poznan, denied allegations on Friday that its parts were used in Iranian combat drones, stating that the ongoing investigation is only concerned with whether it had the required export permits.

Private broadcaster Radio Zet reported on Thursday, without citing its sources, that WSK Poznan had sold pumps to Iranian motor-maker Motorsazan Company for use in tractors, but the parts eventually ended up in drones that Iran shipped to Russia.

'The article published by Radio Zet ... insinuates the participation of WSK Poznan in supplying the Iranian arms industry and using components produced by the company for the production of combat drones by Iran,' WSK said in a statement. 'The company expressly denies this information.'

According to WSK Poznan, Iranian drones, including the Shahed-136 'kamikaze' models, have been sent to Russia since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, used to target Ukrainian air defenses and infrastructure.

WSK added that the ongoing prosecution inquiry concerns the export of parts manufactured by the company to Iran, but the issue of the Ukrainian side finding pumps from WSK Poznan or the company supplying components for Iranian drones has not emerged in the case. The pumps reportedly are not suitable for drone usage.

Additionally, Poland's National Prosecutor's Office stated in an email on Thursday that it is investigating whether WSK Poznan exported dual-use products without the necessary permits, but did not specifically mention drones or Iran.

(With inputs from agencies.)