MBF Group – Project MALLARD – a new era of unmanned freight transport

MBF Group S.A. has officially launched the second of MBF Group Consortium’s three strategic projects, Squadron – Polish Industrial Lobby, concluded on September 4, 2025. After the launch of the IRYDA Plus program, dedicated to defense and drone neutralization, the time has come for a civilian and logistical venture – the MALLARD project. MALLARD is a cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (Cargo UAV) system that sets the stage for the development of modern transportation in Europe.

New dimension of air logistics

The project involves the creation of a platform to enable regular unmanned cargo transportation with high cost efficiency, safety and ecology. The innovative solutions used in the project allow full automation of the processes of planning, loading and execution of flights, paving the way for the construction of future networks of air logistics corridors. MALLARD is poised to become one of the first systems in Europe to enable routine air deliveries without a pilot, joining the global trend of automating transportation and reducing CO₂ emissions.

From concept to real-world testing

Unlike many early-stage concepts, MALLARD has already entered the real technical and operational testing phase. The first test flights, operational measurements and validation of the aerodynamic parameters of the “Little Mallard” will begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. Tests include. assessing the structure’s behavior in various weather conditions, measuring energy and fuel consumption, and calibrating autonomous takeoff and landing systems. At the same time, operational profitability analyses are being carried out to determine the real cost per kilometer of flight compared to classic road and air transportation, as well as to identify potential segments for commercial deployment of the system.

Three related developments

The project includes three key pillars:

Small Mallard – an unmanned aircraft with a payload of 300 kg, suitable for short and medium distances.
UAV delivery methodology – developing principles for the organization and safety of drone transportation in logistics infrastructure.
Large Mallard – a future cargo platform with a payload capacity of up to 1 ton and a range of 3,000 kilometers, which is a stepping stone for the transition to serial production.
The project is being created with scalability and compatibility with future European standards for unmanned aviation in mind.

New opportunities for the TSL sector

The project can completely change the way we think about logistics. Freight drones will help bypass traffic jams, reduce delivery times and cut fuel costs, especially in “last mile” transportation and deliveries between distribution centers. MALLARD will enable integration with existing intermodal terminals and increase the capacity of transportation systems without the need for road expansion.

E-commerce and rapid distribution

For an e-commerce industry increasingly dependent on on-time delivery, MALLARD is a potential revolution. Deployment of small UAV units can enable shipments to be made within hours of an order – especially on domestic and regional routes. The system will also enable optimization of parcel flow between logistics hubs, reducing the need for redundant warehouses. By integrating with supply chain management (SCM) systems and courier company software, MALLARD can become a key link in automating “last mile” deliveries. This will enable e-commerce companies to reduce operating costs and shorten lead times, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Medical and humanitarian transport

Unmanned cargo aircraft can play a key role in medical logistics – transporting blood, organs, medicines or emergency equipment. MALLARD enables fast and safe deliveries even to hard-to-reach locations. Drones can also support humanitarian operations after natural disasters or in conflict areas where road transport is impossible. With autonomous routes and the ability to operate in harsh weather conditions, the system can operate continuously, minimizing response time. In the future, MALLARD can also be used by emergency services and humanitarian organizations in international missions, delivering aid where every minute counts.

Industry and energy

In the energy and industrial sectors, MALLARD can be used to transport spare parts, tools and even measuring equipment over long distances – especially in areas with limited road infrastructure, such as offshore platforms, mines and transmission lines. By delivering critical components quickly, it will be possible to reduce costly production and maintenance downtime.

Security and critical infrastructure

Modern infrastructure requires not only transportation, but also constant inspection. MALLARD platforms can be integrated with surveillance and monitoring systems, performing both transport and observation functions – for example, in the protection of power plants, refineries or fuel terminals. The use of such a solution can significantly reduce the response time to incidents and increase the level of national energy security.

Sustainable and low-carbon transportation

The project fits perfectly into the policy of sustainable development and decarbonization of transportation. Unmanned aircraft consume less fuel than classic machines and may be fully electric or hybrid in the future. In this way, MALLARD supports the EU’s goals of reducing CO₂ emissions and improving energy efficiency in transportation.

Innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises

Thanks to its modularity and flexibility, the MALLARD system will be available not only to large corporations, but also to SMEs looking for ways to shorten the supply chain. The leasing model and shared UAV fleets could become the new standard in Polish logistics. The solution will make it easier for small companies to enter the segment of automation and digital transformation of supply chains.

Integration with COP2

The project is supported by Polish Industrial Lobby im. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski and is part of the strategic concept of the Central Industrial District 2 (COP2), a program aimed at rebuilding and modernizing Poland’s industrial potential. This makes MALLARD part of the long-term vision for the development of the country’s defense and technology industry.

Investment and international perspective

MBF Group plans to target industry partners as well as venture capital funds and institutional investors interested in participating in the commercialization of UAV and logistics 4.0 technologies. The company is also considering future expansion into Central and Southern Europe and, in the longer term, the Middle East and Africa.

Scientific and technological cooperation

An important component of the project is operational research and cooperation with technical universities in the fields of aerodynamics, communications and flight safety. This allows MALLARD to become one of the most important Polish research and development projects in the cargo drone segment. The consortium also plans to establish its own training center for cargo-class UAV operators.

Poland as a leader in unmanned transport

MALLARD is part of the global trend of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) development and proves that Polish technological thought can compete with global leaders. The collaboration between MBF Group, Squadron and PLP shows that the private and expert sectors in Poland can jointly create projects of international significance. The project also strengthens the country’s image as an innovative partner in European research and industrial programs.

Heading for the automation of the future

In the opinion of MBF Group S.A.’s Board of Directors, MALLARD is not just a technology project, but part of the transformation of the entire economy towards automation, digitalization and smart logistics solutions. This is an investment in Poland’s future of transportation, security and technological independence. In the long term, the project could create new industries, production centers and thousands of jobs in high-tech sectors.

Mallard