South Korea to Acquire Polish Kamikaze Drones

South Korean military is likely to acquire hundreds of Polish-made Kamikaze drones following the conclusion of a tender for the same.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) received a request to purchase the suicide drones late last month (from the armed forces), Korean publication JoongAng Ilbo, reported on Tuesday.

“We are aiming to receive the delivery by the end of the year,” a military official was quoted as saying. “The specifications and level of field verification required by the military in the request letter are for Polish-made drones.”

“The South Korean military is actively reviewing their use, considering that they can be introduced quickly with sufficient production capacity.”

Polish companies such as WB group have a number of drones in their product list. At the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2024 in Kielce, WB GROUP unveiled the Warmate 50 kamikaze drone featuring a 50-kilogram warhead.

In addition, it has drones such as the The X-FRONTER, weighing just about 1 kilogram and compact enough to fit in a backpack, combines surveillance and combat capabilities.

In May this year, WB Group unveiled the Warmate 20 long-range drone, capable of operating over hundreds of kilometers. This drone is said to have been used in Ukraine as a long range attack drone.

Considering that South Korea’s strategic need is for drones is long range attack on North Korean targets, the Warmate 20 fits this bill.

Additionally, South Korea has  sold several big ticket defense products to Poland including TA-50 fighter jets and K9 Howitzers which makes the procurement of drones from Polish companies highly likely.