Poland has enlisted its Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an ongoing large-scale search for Tadeusz Duda, wanted for the fatal shooting of his daughter and son-in-law in the southern town of Limanowa. The announcement came from Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who confirmed via social media that the Polish Armed Forces would assist police in the manhunt using the Turkish-made UAV.

According to TVP World, the suspect, aged 57, allegedly killed two people on June 27 in Stara Wieś village and later fired at police officers before fleeing into a nearby forest. Despite extensive ground efforts involving hundreds of officers and counter-terror units, the rugged terrain has hindered progress — prompting authorities to deploy aerial reconnaissance assets to enhance situational awareness.

The Bayraktar TB2, developed by Turkish defense firm Baykar, provides advanced electro-optical and infrared imaging systems, enabling day-and-night surveillance, moving target detection, and real-time data transmission to command centers. The UAV’s long endurance and high-resolution imaging make it particularly effective in forested or mountainous areas where ground access is limited. Its integration into the operation is expected to significantly expand coverage and improve coordination among ground teams.

Poland became the first NATO and European Union member state to procure Bayraktar TB2 systems, marking a milestone in Turkey’s defense exports. The UAV’s use in this domestic security mission underscores its versatility beyond combat roles — offering valuable support in public safety, border surveillance, and disaster response.

Authorities continue to track the suspect’s movements using intelligence gathered from TB2’s live feed, as the operation remains ongoing across a wide search zone in southern Poland.