Poland has revealed the concept model of its new long-range cruise missile, known as Lanca, during the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition.
The unveiling comes as Warsaw seeks to develop indigenous strike capabilities in response to instability along its borders.
Journalist Mariusz Marszałkowski published photographs of the missile model on social media, highlighting its external resemblance to the U.S. Tomahawk cruise missile.
Like the American system, the Lanca features foldable wings and an embedded engine, enabling launch from transportable canisters mounted on naval vessels, submarines, or ground-based platforms.
Polish defense officials have not disclosed performance details such as range or dimensions, but the system is being presented as a strategic step toward equipping Poland with long-range precision strike options.
The missile concept is designed to employ a hybrid navigation system, combining satellite guidance with an inertial platform. An onboard optical sensor cross-references terrain data to improve accuracy when flying at low altitude and contouring to the landscape. This configuration, according to reports from the exhibition, aims to increase resilience against electronic warfare and ensure precision in contested environments.
Poland’s decision to develop a homegrown system underscores its intent to strengthen national defense industry capacity and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. While Warsaw has already invested in American strike capabilities, including JASSM-ER missiles, the Lanca would represent Poland’s first domestically produced long-range cruise missile program.
The presentation of Lanca at MSPO 2025 also serves as a signal to allies and adversaries alike. By showing progress in cruise missile development, Poland is positioning itself as a contributor to NATO’s broader deterrence posture, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank.