South Korea has placed an order for WARMATE 3 loitering munitions from the Polish defense contractor WB Group. This deal marks the first time a Polish company will deliver military equipment to the South Korean armed forces, underscoring the growing defense ties between the two nations. The contract was formalized on October 2nd, during the opening day of the Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) held at the Gyeryongdae Armed Forces Command. Signed by Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Group, and Jae Joon Chung, Director General of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the agreement will supply South Korea’s Army with ten sets of WARMATE 3 loitering munitions, including nearly 200 combat and training systems. Poland’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Paweł Bejda, who is responsible for military technical modernization, was present to witness the signing. The contract is a milestone for WB Group, which becomes the first Polish entity to supply military hardware to South Korea.
The WARMATE 3 is a loitering munition system developed in Poland and refined through real-world combat experience. Thousands of units have been produced, and they have been successfully deployed in high-intensity conflicts. The system is already in use by the Polish Armed Forces and other NATO allies, making it a combat-tested solution. The WARMATE 3’s lightweight design allows for long endurance flights and interchangeable warheads, which can be customized for different missions. Options include multi-purpose fragmentation, anti-armor, and thermobaric warheads designed for neutralizing fortified positions. The system’s flexibility extends to its ability to withstand electronic warfare measures and disrupted satellite navigation, making it highly resilient in modern battlefields. Additionally, the WARMATE 3 can be carried in backpacks and launched from virtually any location, including high altitudes and maritime environments, giving soldiers enhanced operational flexibility.
It can also be integrated with vehicles and existing systems such as WB Group’s FlyEye mini drone and Topaz battle management system. With a radio range of 30 kilometers and a total operational range of up to 80 kilometers, the WARMATE 3 offers significant advantages in both surveillance and offensive capabilities. Its 70-minute flight endurance allows operators to engage high-value targets, including enemy personnel, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare (EW) systems, with precision. Equipped with a quiet, low-RPM engine and the ability to fold its propeller blades during the final attack phase, the WARMATE 3 minimizes the risk of detection. It also operates in all weather conditions and features extra control surfaces for enhanced maneuverability. In addition to its primary role as a loitering munition, the WARMATE 3 can function as a surveillance tool with an option for recovery and reuse in observation configurations.
This latest order from South Korea solidifies WB Group’s standing as a leader in advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and reflects the growing demand for its products in international defense markets. As South Korea continues to modernize its military, the WARMATE 3 loitering munitions will provide the Republic of Korea Army with a potent tool for precision strikes and battlefield intelligence. The agreement between South Korea and Poland’s WB Group for WARMATE 3 loitering munitions marks a new chapter in defense cooperation between the two countries. With its combat-proven technology, versatility, and advanced features, the WARMATE 3 will significantly bolster South Korea’s military capabilities, offering a flexible and reliable solution for modern warfare.
