South Korea Armed Forces to Purchase Polish Warmate Suicide Drones.

On September 20, 2024, Polish newspaper "Rzeczpospolita" reported that South Korea’s armed forces are planning to sign a significant contract for the acquisition of Polish-designed Warmate suicide drones. These drones are developed by WB Electronics, a leading Polish company in the field of unmanned systems. The deal is set to be finalized during the Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX 2024), which will take place from October 2 to 6, 2024.
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The Warmate is a lightweight, portable loitering munition developed by the Polish Company WB Electronics. It functions as both a reconnaissance and attack drone. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The upcoming contract will see the delivery of approximately 200 Warmate loitering munition also called suicide drones to South Korea by the end of this year, with more expected to follow in the near future. This signals a growing partnership between the two nations in the defense sector and marks a strategic move by South Korea to bolster its defense capabilities with cutting-edge drone technology.

The Warmate loitering munition, developed by the Polish company WB Electronics, is an advanced unmanned aerial system designed for precision strikes. It functions as a versatile loitering munition, also known as a suicide drone, capable of hovering in the air before engaging high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy. Lightweight and portable, the Warmate is designed for easy deployment by ground troops or from vehicles, and it can be used in a variety of mission profiles, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and direct attack operations. The system’s real-time video transmission allows operators to identify and engage targets effectively while minimizing collateral damage.

What makes the Warmate unique is its ability to switch between reconnaissance and attack modes, offering flexibility in the battlefield. It can be equipped with various warheads, including high-explosive or anti-tank payloads, depending on mission requirements. With a range of approximately 30 km and an endurance of up to 70 minutes, the Warmate is ideal for both tactical and strategic operations. Its modular design allows for integration into larger systems or operations, and it can be used in coordination with other military assets, making it a valuable tool in modern asymmetric warfare.

The contract is anticipated to expand in scope beyond the initial 200 units, with the potential for hundreds more drones to be purchased in the future. This would further cement the defense collaboration between Poland and South Korea, as both nations are increasingly focusing on advanced technological solutions to meet their security needs.

KADEX, is an international defense exhibition that will take place in South Korea. The event is expected to see numerous high-profile contracts and showcases from international defense companies. South Korea’s interest in the Warmate system highlights the growing global recognition of Polish defense technology and WB Electronics' expertise in drone warfare systems.

This development also reflects South Korea's ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces in response to evolving threats in the region, particularly amid rising tensions in East Asia. Warmate drones will add a new dimension to South Korea's unmanned aerial capabilities, enhancing its ability to conduct precise and efficient operations in a variety of conflict scenarios.

Both nations are expected to make official announcements regarding the agreement during the KADEX exhibition, further outlining the details of their collaboration and future plans for drone procurement.