WB Group at MSPO 2024: Strategic Expansion in Field of Drones and Loitering Munitions.

During the MSPO 2024 exhibition in Kielce, Poland, WB Group once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its country’s military capabilities while positioning itself as a key player on the international stage in the field of drones and loitering munitions. In the context of Poland’s significant rearmament, particularly in response to the war in Ukraine, the company presented several innovative drone systems that meet the growing needs of modern armed forces for reconnaissance, attack, and precision.
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The event highlighted the presentation of the Warmate drone series, including the Warmate 50, Warmate 20, X-Fronter, as well as the Warmate TL-R reconnaissance and attack missiles, and the anti-tank Warmate Z variant. (Picture source: WB Group)

The event highlighted the presentation of the Warmate drone series, including the Warmate 50, Warmate 20, X-Fronter, as well as the Warmate TL-R reconnaissance and attack missiles, and the anti-tank Warmate Z variant. These technological solutions not only enhance Poland’s military capabilities but also those of its allies, as regional tensions rise and the demand for advanced military solutions grows.

Warmate 50: Unprecedented Strike Capability

The Warmate 50, the centerpiece of WB Group’s presentation, marks a significant evolution in the field of loitering munitions. Capable of carrying a 50 kg payload, it stands out with its ability to reach targets up to 1,000 kilometers away. This single-use attack drone is designed solely for strike missions, maximizing combat effectiveness. Powered by a combustion engine, it covers long distances, making it ideal for precise strikes against strategic targets deep behind enemy lines.

The Warmate 50 exemplifies the evolution of drones in modern conflicts. Its extended range and ability to destroy heavily fortified targets make it a crucial tool for the Polish Armed Forces, and potentially for other countries interested in such capabilities, like South Korea. By developing these technologies, Poland offers an alternative to existing loitering munitions on the global market, meeting the needs of modern warfare increasingly defined by long-range strikes and autonomous attack capabilities.

WB Group constantly evolving drones and loitering munitions meet the current needs of modern conflicts, offering effective solutions for precise and autonomous strikes (Picture source: WB Group)

Warmate 20: Versatility and Precision

Smaller than its counterpart, the Warmate 20 is equipped with a 20 kg warhead and offers a range of several hundred kilometers. Designed for lighter attack missions, this drone also boasts great flexibility in deployment. Its reduced size and modest payload make it an ideal choice for more discreet strikes and precision missions in complex environments where stealth and quick reaction are paramount.

Although lighter and more maneuverable, the Warmate 20 remains a valuable asset on the battlefield, offering an affordable and effective attack solution for ground forces and special units. Its growing international popularity, notably with South Korea’s interest, highlights the appeal of these drone systems for armed forces looking to modernize their arsenals while optimizing their attack capabilities.

X-Fronter: Flexibility and Efficiency in Hovering Flight

Among the new products presented by WB Group is the X-Fronter, a rotary-wing drone designed for reconnaissance and hovering attack missions (ISR). Weighing only 1.15 kg, it can be hand-launched and has semi-autonomous flight capabilities, making it particularly suitable for tactical operations. Its 350-gram payload, equivalent to the weight of a hand grenade, allows it to carry out precise strikes while offering increased flexibility in the field.

This type of drone reflects the evolution of ISR systems toward lighter but equally effective platforms. In a conflict scenario where mobility and rapid intervention are critical, the X-Fronter could become a valuable asset for reconnaissance and light infantry units, providing real-time surveillance while being easily deployable in hard-to-reach areas.

Warmate TL-R and Warmate Z: Versatile Loitering Munitions

WB Group also introduced the Warmate TL-R reconnaissance and attack missiles, an encapsulated system with wings and a V-tail that deploy after launch. This system offers increased adaptability in various operational environments and is distinguished by its ease of deployment, making it particularly relevant in situations where rapid intervention is essential.

The Warmate Z variant, on the other hand, is equipped with an anti-tank warhead, thus enhancing the armed forces’ effectiveness against armored vehicles. Its innovative design, featuring a sensor placed above the shaped charge, ensures optimal warhead performance, increasing penetration against heavily armored targets. In today’s conflicts, where armored vehicles are often used, this capability is a significant addition to Poland’s arsenal.

The X-Fronter, a rotary-wing drone designed for reconnaissance and hovering attack missions (ISR). (Picture source: WB Group)

Growing South Korean Interest in Polish Loitering Munitions

It is worth noting that South Korea has shown strong interest in Polish loitering munitions, particularly the Warmate. Since mid-2024, a South Korean delegation visited Poland to assess the capability of these drones to strengthen the country’s defense. Due to their proven effectiveness in the Ukrainian conflict, these kamikaze drones could become a key element in South Korea’s military reinforcement amid heightened geopolitical tensions with its neighbors.

This emerging collaboration between Poland and South Korea highlights the global appeal of drone and loitering munition systems, offering armed forces autonomous and precise attack capabilities while minimizing risks for human operators.

Partnership with Leonardo: Strategic Expansion

Lastly, the importance of the partnership signed between WB Group and Leonardo at MSPO 2024 should be emphasized. This agreement aims to develop new capabilities in the field of tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), including low-cost drone operations, swarm systems, and loitering munitions. This collaboration clearly indicates WB Group’s ambition to position itself as a major player in the development of advanced military technologies.

In conclusion, WB Group’s presence at MSPO 2024 not only underscores the evolution of Poland’s defense capabilities but also the growing role of the company on the international stage. Its constantly evolving drones and loitering munitions meet the current needs of modern conflicts, offering effective solutions for precise and autonomous strikes. Poland, as a key NATO member, appears to be emerging as a major player in European rearmament, adapting to new threats and strengthening its international alliances, notably with countries like South Korea and Italy.