Poland's WB Group Signs Contract with Asian Customer for 'Warmate' Drone

Polish WB GROUP has signed a contract with an Asian customer for the supply of the latest version of the WARMATE family of loitering munitions.

The new WARMATE 3 variant features an extended operational range, enhanced warheads, improved performance in GNSS-denied and jamming environments, and full interoperability with other WB GROUP unmanned platforms, a company press release said.

The Asian country could be South Korea given the huge defense exports from Seoul to Warsaw and very little in the reverse direction. In August this year, Seoul signed a $6.5 billion deal for 180 K2 tanks as well as 81 other support vehicles. In 2022, Warsaw signed multiple agreements with South Korea for K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and FA-50 light attack aircraft.

The WARMATE drone to an Asian country could well be the first big defense export to South Korea from Poland.

Under the agreements, WB GROUP will deliver a total of 1,000 WARMATE 3 loitering munitions to non-European armed forces. The orders include the newest variants of the WARMATE 3, characterized by upgraded capabilities and larger warheads.

The WARMATE family of systems has been combat-proven in numerous military operations, including high-intensity conflict in Ukraine.

WARMATE 3 stands out with exceptional operational range, upgraded NATO-compliant warheads, and advanced signal relay capabilities, enabling operation in GNSS-denied and heavily jammed environments. The system is fully interoperable with other unmanned platforms developed by WB GROUP, allowing seamless integration within a unified battlefield management ecosystem.

WARMATE 3 is a lightweight, man-portable strike UAV featuring a pusher-propeller configuration. Its modular design allows the use of interchangeable warheads selected prior to a mission according to specific operational requirements. The system requires minimal logistical support and can be transported in field backpacks

The loitering munition can be fitted with one of three primary warhead types: thermobaric (TB), high-explosive fragmentation (HEFI), or anti-armor (HEAT). Depending on the mission profile, the warhead may be equipped with a day or night camera. WARMATE 3 is launched from a lightweight, portable pneumatic launcher.

The system offers a viable alternative to anti-tank guided missiles, offering the ability to loiter over the target area for extended periods and engage threats from greater standoff distances. This enables the operator to detect, observe, and identify targets with increased decision time and operational flexibility. WARMATE 3 is also capable of signal relay and retransmission and integrates seamlessly with other WB GROUP unmanned platforms.