Poland is equipping its K9 self-propelled howitzers with protective drone cages, aiming to strengthen defenses against small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—a tactic inspired by lessons learned in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
Several media outlets reported, the Polish 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade on May 6 released photos on social media showing a trial installation of a drone defense cage on the K9A1, an upgraded variant of the South Korean K9 howitzer. The trial also included similar protective structures mounted on the WR-40 Langusta, a Polish-made 122mm unguided rocket launcher system.
The newly added protection, often referred to as a “cope cage,” resembles slat armor, a metal grille or cage structure traditionally used on armored vehicles to pre-detonate incoming rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). These cages are typically installed above and around the turret using welded steel bars or bolted mesh, allowing for easy replacement or removal.
Cope cages gained widespread attention during the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Russian tanks were seen outfitted with overhead structures to defend against low-cost, top-attack kamikaze drones or explosive drops from commercial UAVs. Ukrainian and Israeli forces later adopted similar solutions. In particular, Israel deployed them to protect tank crews during recent clashes with Hamas, further validating their utility in modern drone-heavy warfare.
In modern conflicts, drones typically approach tanks and armored vehicles from above, either dropping explosives or detonating on impact. Cope cages are designed to disrupt or absorb these attacks before they reach the vehicle’s main armor.
Poland’s decision to adopt drone cages for its K9 units aligns with the defense strategy of Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who has pushed for greater investment in drone warfare capabilities.
“Poland plans to actively integrate unmanned technologies and build an armed force equipped with hundreds of thousands of drones,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said. “In an era of rapidly evolving threats, it’s crucial to modernize our arsenal without relying solely on massive stockpiles. Our military must be able to adapt in real time.”
