Poland Strengthens Military with Massive Purchase of 10,000 Warmate Kamikaze Drones

In a major step to enhance its battlefield capabilities, Poland has announced the purchase of 10,000 Warmate kamikaze drones from local defense manufacturer WB Group. This large-scale acquisition is one of the biggest drone deals in Europe and reflects Poland’s growing emphasis on modern, unmanned warfare systems amid rising regional tensions.

The Warmate drones, also known as loitering munitions, are a type of suicide drone designed to hover over a battlefield, locate a target, and then destroy it in a precision strike. Under the contract, WB Group will deliver these drones in batches of 1,000 units at a time, with the final delivery expected by 2035. The order covers the latest configuration of the Warmate system, equipped with upgraded technology and versatile warhead options.

Once delivered, the drones will serve two main roles within the Polish Army. Some will be assigned as portable, standalone systems carried by unmounted troops, giving small units the ability to conduct reconnaissance and strike missions independently. Others will be integrated with military vehicles, providing a mobile launch capability for rapid-response attacks during armored operations.

Polish defense officials stated that these drones are intended to identify and eliminate a range of battlefield threats, including light armored vehicles, enemy personnel positions, and fortified posts. Their ability to be quickly deployed and accurately guided makes them a valuable asset for both defensive and offensive missions.

About the Warmate Loitering Munition

The Warmate is a compact and efficient loitering munition. It measures 1.1 meters in length with a wingspan of 1.6 meters, and has a takeoff weight of just 6 kilograms. Despite its small size, it can carry various types of warheads, including standard high-explosive and thermobaric payloads capable of dealing with different targets.

Powered by an electric motor, the drone operates at an altitude of up to 300 meters and can reach speeds of 150 kilometers per hour. Its operational range allows it to strike targets as far as 30 kilometers from its launch point, providing frontline troops with extended reach against enemy positions without putting soldiers at risk.

Poland’s Focus on Drone Warfare

This ambitious procurement aligns with Poland's broader strategy to modernize its military, especially in the area of unmanned aerial systems. With growing concerns over security in Eastern Europe, the Polish armed forces have prioritized acquiring advanced technologies that can enhance their surveillance and precision-strike capabilities.

Interestingly, the Warmate drone has already proven its effectiveness in various conflict zones, where loitering munitions have emerged as game-changers on the modern battlefield. Their ability to loiter in the sky, silently monitor the battlefield, and strike high-value targets when opportunities arise makes them especially valuable in asymmetric and high-intensity conflicts.

Conclusion

Poland’s decision to purchase 10,000 Warmate kamikaze drones marks a significant milestone in the country's defense modernization program. It not only boosts the Polish Army’s combat effectiveness but also highlights the growing importance of drone warfare in Europe’s future military landscape. As deliveries continue over the next decade, these loitering munitions will play a key role in strengthening Poland’s defensive and offensive operations.