GRUPA WB has delivered components of the GLADIUS unmanned search-and-strike system to the Polish Armed Forces. The transfer of vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles from the FT-5 and BSP-U families took place within 19 months of signing the agreement. The successful delivery followed comprehensive tests, including the functionality of unmanned search-and-strike systems equipped with warheads. This resulted in the Polish Army receiving additional components of the first GLADIUS battery module. It’s worth noting that on December 15, 2022, the Polish Armed Forces received the initial elements of the GLADIUS system, enabling the commencement of operational team training ahead of subsequent deliveries. The contract, signed on May 6, 2022, for the supply of four battery modules of GLADIUS unmanned search-and-strike systems involves the Armament Agency of the Ministry of National Defense and the leading company of the WB Group – WB Electronics S.A.
The logistics package encompasses operational sets and a service provision for unmanned aerial vehicles. The training package includes not only soldier training but also training unmanned aerial vehicles and system simulators. The battery modules of the unmanned search-and-strike GLADIUS systems are designed for precise targeting of objectives and for conducting visual reconnaissance from the air using the unmanned aerial vehicles FT-5. The effectors of the system are the strike-capable unmanned aerial vehicles BSP-U, integrated with the national fire control system TOPAZ used in the Polish Armed Forces. Additionally, the battery module includes launcher vehicles, command vehicles, ammunition vehicles, technical support vehicles, other vehicles, and a stock of strike-capable BSP-U.
The Gladius system is designed to provide the Polish army with a long-range, precision-strike capability. The UAVs can be used to conduct reconnaissance and target acquisition, while the loitering munitions can be used to engage targets at ranges of up to 100 kilometers. This will allow the system to share information and coordinate operations with other elements of the Polish Army. The Gladius system was developed by WB Group and the first components were delivered to the army’s 18th Artillery Regiment in December 2022. The first complete Gladius battery is scheduled to be delivered in 2024.The development and deployment of the Gladius system is a significant step forward for the Polish army. The system will provide the Polish army with a much-needed long-range, precision-strike capability, which will improve its ability to defend itself against both conventional and asymmetric threats.
WB Group is a Polish electronics and aeronautics manufacturer, and one of Europe’s largest private defence contractors.The company was established in 1997 and is based in O?arów Mazowiecki. Through its various subsidiaries, WB produces military communications equipment, command and control systems, fire-control systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and loitering munitions. WB Electronics Warmate is being used by the Ukraine during the Russian invasion.[8] The FONET vehicle and battlefield communication system was licensed to L3Harris Technologies and is used by the United States Armed Forces. In 2017 the Polish Development Fund, a fund of the Polish Treasury, invested PLN 128 million (EUR 30 million or USD 34 million at the time) in the WB Group, in exchange for 24% of shares.
