MBF Group IRYDA+ X1 remains today the most important and tangible result of the work carried out by MBF Group S.A. and its partners in the field of unmanned aerial systems. It is this platform that is currently the focus of activities related to organising documentation, finalising technical parameters, preparing a commercial offer and building a sales and after-sales service model. X1 is intended to be a solution that can not only be demonstrated, but also specifically priced, configured to meet the customer’s needs and offered on the market. The launch of the SPACE Z1 programme does not change this priority; on the contrary, it confirms that X1 has reached a stage at which it can be treated as a real starting point for the next generations of solutions.
IRYDA+ X1 – a ready platform for commercialisation
One of the nearest tasks is to complete preparations for submitting documentation to OSA. Work in this area is at its final stage and is important not only formally, but also from an image and operational perspective, as it organises the entire technical documentation surrounding the X1 platform. In parallel, the elements necessary for conducting commercial discussions are being prepared: specifications, possible configurations, scope of equipment, delivery terms, service and technical support. Only a complete set of such materials makes it possible to move from presenting the design to actual commercialisation.
X1 is also expected to play a key role during MSPO 2026. This is where we want to present the solution as the result of work already completed, rather than as a distant concept. At the same time, discussions are being held with companies from Poland and other European Union countries regarding possible applications and future commercial use of the platform. In practice, this means that IRYDA+ X1 is entering a stage in which its further development must simultaneously be aligned with market requirements, institutional customers and potential partners.
SPACE Z1 – satellite technologies, AI and the next generation of the system
The launch of the IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 programme is a natural consequence of the maturity of X1, rather than an attempt to replace the current platform with a new project. If it has been possible to build a functioning system, carry out its development and prepare it for commercialisation, the next logical question is what should come afterwards. In modern technologies, a lack of development in practice means falling behind the market, competitors and changing operational requirements. That is why X1 remains important here and now, while SPACE Z1 is a forward-looking approach to the capabilities that may determine the value of unmanned systems in the years to come.
SPACE Z1 is not about creating a “space drone”, but about using technologies developed by the space sector to increase the capabilities of a platform operating above the Earth. The scope under analysis includes, among others, satellite and hybrid BLOS communications, encrypted telemetry, the use of satellite infrastructure, Earth observation data and EO/IR systems. This is complemented by edge computing, sensor fusion, interference-resistant GNSS/INS navigation, cybersecurity and Digital Twin solutions. The objective is to build an architecture in which the aerial platform remains the central element of the system, while its information, communication and decision-making capabilities are enhanced by satellite and digital technologies.
The second pillar of SPACE Z1 is intended to be artificial intelligence and autonomy. This means not only automatic route execution, but also image analysis, object classification, operator support, mission planning and modification, as well as combining information from multiple sources. As AI algorithms develop, the importance of processing data directly on board is increasing, so that the system does not depend on the continuous transmission of complete data streams to the operator. In the future, it is precisely the combination of an aerial platform, satellite data, sensors and AI that may become one of the key advantages of modern unmanned systems.
Polish competencies, international cooperation and know-how transfer
The programme will be developed in an open formula for cooperation with technology companies, universities, R&D centres and industrial partners. Discussions with selected Polish entities operating in the areas of space technologies, satellite communications, optics, imaging and data processing are already underway, although their names are not currently being disclosed due to the preliminary nature of the talks and confidentiality rules. MBF Group also intends to make use of the developing cooperation between Poland and Türkiye, including the possibility of consulting selected issues with the R&D units of Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya. At the same time, the priority remains the broadest possible use of the competencies of Polish companies, institutes and universities, as well as locating know-how in Poland.
SPACE Z1 is also relevant in the context of the future organisation of production. The requirements currently being analysed for X1 are expected to be expanded to include potential needs related to electronics, communications, optoelectronics, AI, software and research and testing facilities required for the next generation. This means that the search for a location for future production capabilities in Poland should not be limited solely to the current platform, but should also take into account the competencies that may be required in several years. Such an approach is intended to increase the chances of creating a lasting technological base rather than merely an assembly site for a single UAV model.
The most important issue, however, remains maintaining the right proportions. IRYDA+ X1 is the solution for today – a platform being prepared for commercial offers, further demonstrations and business discussions – while SPACE Z1 is a development project whose final configuration and parameters have not yet been determined. The launch of the next programme does not mean that X1 has lost its importance; on the contrary, it demonstrates that there is already a technological base mature enough to build further solutions upon. Those who do not look forward in the new technology sector quickly fall behind – therefore our task is both to bring X1 to full commercial readiness and to begin today the work on what the market may need tomorrow.
