Poland’s WB Group Begins FlyEye Drone Production in Ukraine to Meet Rising Reconnaissance Demand

Poland’s leading defense technology firm, WB Group, has quietly launched full-scale production of its FlyEye unmanned aerial systems (UAS) inside Ukraine. The company’s initiative responds directly to heightened demand from Ukrainian armed forces for reliable, combat-proven reconnaissance platforms.

Production Goes Local — A Strategic Shift

This year marked the commencement of FlyEye drone assembly at a facility operated by WB Ukraina, a subsidiary of WB Group established in the late 2010s. Originally focused on servicing, repair, and spare parts supply, the plant has now begun manufacturing complete systems in 2025, working closely with other WB Group entities on operations, knowledge sharing, and further development.

WB Group deliberately kept this transfer under wraps until now, citing heightened threats to Ukraine’s defense production infrastructure. The move was only disclosed after Poland’s ambassador to Ukraine, Piotr Łukasiewicz, visited the facility.

FlyEye: Field-Proven and Frontline-Ready

Developed by Flytronic, WB Group’s subsidiary, FlyEye has served the Ukrainian forces since 2015 and is among the few Western drones formally adopted by their armed forces. The platform excels in high-intensity combat, earning praise for its operational resilience and high mission survivability.

Key features of the FlyEye include:

• Easy Deployment: An electrically powered motor-glider with a tractor propeller, designed for hand launch and automatic landings in confined spaces.

• High Mobility: Portable in just two backpacks, with no need for launchers or specialist equipment.

• Silent Flight: Battery power is used mainly for takeoff and altitude control, while the rest of the mission is conducted in silent gliding mode, reducing detectability.

• Modular Payloads: Operators can swap between day and thermal imaging cameras, surveillance heads, or communication relay kits.

The system is also compatible with advanced battlefield management software like the Topaz system and can remain operational under electronic warfare or GPS-denied conditions.

Growth Trajectory and Global Reach

FlyEye has become one of Europe’s most widely produced drones:

• By March 2024, more than 1,000 units had been produced.

• WB Group’s annual drone output has surpassed 6,000 units, with Ukraine accounting for more than half of the total.

• Production capacity can be doubled if required, ensuring uninterrupted supply to frontline forces.

Beyond Poland and Ukraine, FlyEye has been exported to countries across Europe and Asia, including Malaysia, where it is integrated into artillery units.

Strategic Implications

1. Enhanced Ukrainian Autonomy – Local production reduces Ukraine’s reliance on imports and ensures faster delivery of drones and spare parts directly to frontline forces.

2. Operational Continuity – Manufacturing inside Ukraine strengthens battlefield logistics and helps withstand disruptions caused by attacks on infrastructure.

3. Industrial Synergy – Ukrainian specialists with combat experience in drone operations are now directly involved in development and production, enriching WB Group’s technological base.

4. Regional Defense Strength – Poland’s decision reflects its strong commitment to Ukraine and bolsters defense cooperation across Eastern Europe.

The FlyEye’s transition from Polish factories to Ukrainian assembly lines represents more than just a production shift. It strengthens Ukraine’s ability to maintain reconnaissance superiority in a high-intensity conflict, while reinforcing Poland’s role as a critical defense partner in the region.