Poland Expands Its Military Arsenal with a Historic Drone Purchase
WARSAW, Poland — The Polish military has recently initiated a new division known as the Drone Force, marking a significant development in military tactics. In a landmark move, the Ministry of National Defence has inked an agreement for the largest drone acquisition in Polish history.
This strategic decision aligns with actions taken by other Eastern European nations, which have been significantly increasing their drone inventories in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Poland’s Monumental Drone Acquisition
On May 15, a pivotal agreement was signed between the Polish Ministry of National Defence and the WB Group, a domestic defense contractor. This agreement involves the purchase of approximately 10,000 Warmate loitering munition drones, with planned deliveries stretching to 2035.
“This acquisition is monumental – securing 10,000 Warmate drones is now a reality,” stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, during the official ceremony. He further noted that the drones would soon be deployed within the Polish military, with additional contracts expected to be finalized shortly.
WB Group’s Expanding Drone Portfolio
Over recent years, WB Group has significantly enhanced its UAV offerings. The company has introduced several new products, including the Warmate TL-R for reconnaissance, the FT5 mini tactical drone in various configurations, the Warmate 20 loitering munition with a range of several hundred kilometers, and the extended-range Warmate 50, which surpasses the capabilities of its predecessors.
According to Remigiusz Wilk, Head of Communications at WB Group, there has been a marked increase in regional interest in unmanned technologies since the onset of the war. “Drones are now seen as vital for soldier protection,” Wilk explained, emphasizing their role in creating sophisticated aerial systems.
In the context of the Ukraine conflict with Russian forces, drones have become predominant on certain front lines, replacing human soldiers and patrolling vast areas, ready to engage at the first sign of movement.
“By reducing the presence of soldiers on the battlefield and substituting them with drones, we significantly enhance their safety,” Wilk commented. He highlighted the increasing recognition of drones’ potential to save lives within military strategies.
Poland’s Growing Focus on UAVs
The Polish Armed Forces are not only investing in new drones to bolster their Drone Force but are also capitalizing on WB Group’s expanding production capabilities to tap into new markets.
“We are constructing new facilities to increase our drone production,” said a spokesperson from WB Group, noting that the company has been supplying drones to the Ukrainian military since 2015. This experience provides valuable insights that are being used to improve their unmanned systems continually, to meet evolving battlefield needs.
The Drone Force will also include larger UAVs like the MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones. A contract worth approximately $310 million was signed in December 2024 to acquire these drones, with deliveries expected by the first quarter of 2027.
Expanding Drone Production in Romania
Meanwhile, Romania is also advancing its drone capabilities. The Romanian Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan, recently visited the drone manufacturing plants of Carfil SA and IAR Ghimbav. He announced plans to allocate a substantial portion of the European Union’s defense funds to enhance Romania’s military drone capabilities.
The ReArm Europe plan, which aims to boost the EU’s defense spending and capabilities by mobilizing up to €800 billion ($906 billion), will support increased national defense budgets and a new loan instrument for member states for equipment purchases.
Romanian officials are optimistic that the growing domestic production of drones will not only enhance military capabilities but also position local manufacturers to export a significant portion of their products. “With a production capacity of up to 3,500 drones annually, we aim to supply not just the Romanian military,” Ivan stated, highlighting the potential for international sales.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
