Poland unveiled a modernized T-3 wind tunnel in Warsaw last week, upgrading the largest facility of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe for use in projects backed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Defence Fund (EDF). The Polish aviation research institute Łukasiewicz-ILOT, part of the Łukasiewicz research network, announced the upgrade.
Financing and strategic goals
The modernization was funded through Poland's National Recovery Plan (KPO) as part of the CeBRINS investment project, at a total cost of 105 million zloty, more than 24 million euros. The institute said the upgraded infrastructure would strengthen Poland's capabilities in defense, unmanned aerial systems and space technology, and allow the country to carry out strategic projects without relying on testing centers abroad.
The tunnel will support both defense projects financed mainly through the EDF and dual-use technologies for the space sector developed under ESA programs. Łukasiewicz-Instytut Lotnictwa is already carrying out several dozen projects in these fields.
First tests under EXAELIA project
The first test campaign in the modernized tunnel will involve aeroelastic wing testing as part of the European project EXAELIA, Experimental Aircraft for European Leadership in Aviation. Alongside the tunnel itself, researchers will use new deformation measurement systems and 3D particle image velocimetry (PIV) for optical flow visualization.
Photo: Łukasiewicz - ILOT 1
Space research program and the SPARK satellite
The institute also plans to use the T-3 tunnel within a Łukasiewicz network space research program announced in spring 2026. Aerodynamic testing is important for testing launch systems, and the institute's tunnels have previously been used to test the Polish Bursztyn rocket. Another key element of the program is the SPARK nanosatellite, whose launch into orbit is planned for the second half of 2027.
Access for smaller companies
According to the institute, the new infrastructure was built not only for major strategic partners but also for small and medium-sized companies working in the unmanned platforms market and the new space sector. A contract for testing is close to being signed with one of Europe's leading aircraft engine manufacturers, the institute said.
The modernized tunnel will also be used in other Łukasiewicz network projects, including ground transport, energy, construction and defense systems. The institute said it has significant experience cooperating with Polish companies, including Leonardo PZL Świdnik, WB Electronics and PESA Bydgoszcz.
A tunnel with decades of history
The T-3 wind tunnel was built in the 1950s and was used for decades in the development of the Iskra, Iryda, Wilga, Kruk and Dromader aircraft as well as the W-3 Sokół helicopter. Rising demands for measurement precision and the development of modern aviation and space technologies made the modernization necessary for Poland to take part in new European space and defense programs.
Ukraine's access to EU defense funding
In July 2026, Ukraine signed agreements with the European Union allowing its defense companies to join the European Defence Fund and the EDIP program. The agreements give Ukrainian firms access to 300 million euros in grant funding for the development of defense technologies.
