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Warmate Loitering Munition Tested with a New Anti-Tank Warhead: An Effective Tool Against Armored Vehicles.
On November 6, 2024, WB Group announced that it had tested a new anti-tank warhead for its Warmate loitering munition, developed in collaboration with the Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU). This innovation aims to enhance strike effectiveness against armored vehicles, meeting the increasing demands of modern combat against Soviet-era tanks. The series of tests, conducted under various climatic and operational conditions, confirmed the newly shaped charge's capability to penetrate armor, thereby reinforcing Warmate's appeal for armed forces seeking versatile, high-performance solutions.
Warmate on a launcher, with a new anti-tank warhead (Picture source: WB Group)
The testing of this new warhead occurred in two phases: initially in static conditions with the standalone warhead, followed by dynamic conditions simulating direct attacks by the loitering munition on selected targets. WB Group sought to evaluate the function and formation of the shaped charge jet during strikes from various angles. The tests were rigorous, subjecting the munition to strong crosswinds and precipitation to assess its precision and effectiveness in demanding environments. Despite modifications to shape and sensor placement compared to previous versions, the results adhered to precision standards for this type of weapon, with a CEP (circular error probable) rating ensuring 50% of hits within a defined radius around the target center.
The Warmate’s warhead, weighing around 2 kg, offers penetration capabilities exceeding 300 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) thickness. This significantly strengthens its destructive potential against armored vehicles, particularly those based on Soviet technology. By targeting vulnerable areas such as the rear, sides, or top of vehicles, this penetration capacity increases the probability of damage or destruction. Additionally, this new warhead allows for not only vertical but also frontal attacks, expanding its effectiveness across a range of vehicles, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, troop transporters, and support units.
The Warmate system, produced on a large scale by WB Group, has seen approximately 5,000 units manufactured in recent months, featuring interchangeable warheads and adaptable reconnaissance modules. Although the anti-tank warhead has a specific shape and sensor configuration, it remains compatible with earlier munition versions, enabling integration without significant modifications. Deployed in combat situations in Ukraine, the Warmate system is also used by the Polish Territorial Defense Forces and by NATO countries such as Turkey, as well as other nations like Georgia, India, and, most recently, South Korea.
Despite modifications to shape and sensor placement compared to previous versions, the results adhered to precision standards for this type of weapon, with a CEP (circular error probable) rating ensuring 50% of hits within a defined radius around the target center. (Picture source: WB Group)
The WARMATE, developed by the Polish WB Group, has gained notable traction internationally as an efficient loitering munition. Besides its use by Polish armed forces, it has been acquired by several countries, including Turkey, Georgia, India, and South Korea. In October 2024, South Korea signed a contract to purchase more than 100 WARMATE 3 units, marking the first export of Polish military equipment to this country. This growing adoption highlights the confidence placed in this system across diverse operational environments.
Loitering munitions like the WARMATE have seen increased usage, particularly in Ukraine, where they play a critical role in modern military operations. Their ability to monitor an area before engaging a specific target makes them especially suited to asymmetrical conflicts and urban settings. In Ukraine, these systems have been used to neutralize strategic targets, demonstrating their effectiveness and relevance on today’s battlefields. This trend underscores the shift in military doctrines toward more flexible, precise solutions, addressing the challenges of modern conflicts.