South Korea eyes Polish Warmate loitering munition used in Ukraine.

Since June 2024, South Korea has been studying the possibility of buying Warmate loitering munitions from Poland to strengthen its defense capabilities. A South Korean delegation is scheduled to visit Warsaw to inspect these Polish-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and assess their suitability for operations on the Korean peninsula.
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Polish WB Group Warmate loitering munition  (Picture source: Army Recognition)

This initiative follows the visit of South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won Sik to Poland last month, during which Warsaw requested Seoul to purchase their weapons systems. The South Korean military has shown particular interest in the Warmate drones, which have demonstrated their combat effectiveness in Ukraine. "Since Polish drones are currently being used in real combat operations, we will review whether there are areas that can be used by our military," said a spokesperson for the South Korean Ministry of Defense.

This potential acquisition is part of a growing defense cooperation between South Korea and Poland. In 2022, Poland signed agreements with South Korean defense companies to purchase various weapons systems, including FA-50 fighter jets, K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and Chunmoo rocket artillery systems.

"The demand for small unmanned aerial vehicles in our army has increased, and Poland has bought many of our weapons," added a South Korean official. "If our military wants a type of drone, it will be a good match."

The Warmate is a kamikaze drone developed by WB Electronics. Designed for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target engagement missions, it can carry different types of warheads, including multiple-explosive and high-explosive, allowing it to effectively destroy armored vehicles and other targets. With a range of up to 30 km and a flight time of 60 minutes, the Warmate offers manual and automatic control capabilities and quick launch preparation, making it particularly effective on the battlefield.

South Korea's decision to potentially integrate Warmate drones into its military arsenal highlights the growing importance of UAVs in modern defense strategies. If this acquisition goes through, it could mark a new chapter in defense cooperation between South Korea and Poland, enhancing the military capabilities of both nations.

The Warmate loitering munition measures 1 meter in length, has a 1.4-meter wingspan, and weighs 5 kilograms. It is easily transportable by a single soldier using a backpack and features foldable main wings and V-shaped tail fins.

Warmate can be employed for reconnaissance in various combat scenarios, with the option to carry different types of payloads or explosive warheads.

This versatile system can function as a standalone unit, be transported by land forces, or accompany special operations units. Its design allows for installation on various vehicles, including cars and APCs, and integrates seamlessly with onboard systems through the Ground Control Station and Ground Data Terminal.

Unlike traditional anti-tank guided missiles, Warmate offers a significantly larger operational radius, allowing for extended target detection and observation over an extended period, with a flight time of approximately 70 minutes. Additionally, it can be equipped with a laser-seeking warhead.