WB Electronics Warmate is a class of loitering munition UAVs developed by the Polish defence contractor WB Group.[1] It can be equipped with several different payloads, including fragmentation, HEAT and thermobaric warheads[1] and has a swarming capability.[2]
Warmate entered into the initial production in 2016.[3]
Warmate-R is an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) version based on the same fuselage and ground segment. It integrates 3 cameras to provide multiple views: an 8mm lens facing forward, and an 8mm and 12mm optics providing smooth tilting capabilities from a downward position (0 deg) to one side (90 deg). It can be equipped with daylight or thermal cameras with remote pan and tilt, as well as a laser target designator. It has a "Target Lock" mode for tracking moving targets and enables accurate target location data.[4]
Warmate-TL (Tube Launch) is a variant that can be launched from man-portable or vehicle-mounted tubular launchers and can be integrated with multiple different platforms such as ground vehicles, helicopters, or warships.[2]
The "3.0" generation of the Warmate system has been refined based on the inputs from customers and their combat experiences. The system is characterized by:[2]
Warmate 2 is a newer, larger, and heavier version of the original Warmate drone to be launched from elastomeric vehicle-mounted launchers.[2]
This new model features an increased 30 kg (66 lb) maximum take-off weight[6] and heavier 5 kg (11 lb) high-explosive-fragmentation (HE-FRAG), fuel-air explosive (FAE) and HEAT warheads designed to destroy armored vehicles, command outposts and other hardened targets.[2] The HEAT warhead is capable of penetration of 400mm of RHA.[6] The manufacturer promotes this variant as a viable alternative to anti-tank guided missiles, allowing for engagements at standoff distances, while also simplifying target acquisition.[5] The rest of the warheads has a 40 m (130 ft) fragmentation (HE) or implosion (FAE) effect.[6]
The radio range of Warmate 2 has been extended to 180 km (110 mi) for a total operational range of 30–240 km (19–149 mi), which translates to a 2 hour flight endurance. The flight altitude was lowered to 100–200 m (330–660 ft) for lower probability of intercept.[2]
The flight control is fully automatic with waypoint navigation, and an automatic video tracker with EO and thermal IR cameras allowing for all-weather operations and night combat.[6]
W2MPIR (Vampire; pol. Wielowarstwowy System Przełamania A2AD/Powietrzny Inteligentny Rój; transl. Multi-Layered A2AD Penetration System/Aerial Smart Swarm) is a system designed to breach the enemy's anti-access/area denial (A2AD) defenses and provide a cost-effective strike/reconnaissance capability to fulfill the suppression of enemy air/missile defenses (SEAD) and electronic warfare (EW) missions.[2][7]
The system consists of assorted interoperable WB Electronics UAVs operating in a swarm, including the Warmate 3.0 and/or Warmate 2 loitering munitions, together with the FlyEye and FT-5 Łoś multi-role reconnaissance platforms capable of identification, location, and jamming of electronic sensors and radars.[2][7]
NATO – unspecified NATO member[8]
Poland – at least 10 systems with 100 units delivered to the NIL commando unit (part of the Polish Special Forces) and then the Territorial Defence Force.
Ukraine – Ukraine has received several units of the Warmate drones as part of Poland's military assistance in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. This includes both the inter-government arms transfers and private fundraisers.[9] Similar private fundraisers had been organized in other countries such as Lithuania, to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.[5]
United Arab Emirates[citation needed]
India – 100 units[10]
Georgia – produced domestically by Delta-WB LTD joint venture.[11][12]
Libya – acquired by the United Arab Emirates for the Libyan National Army in 2020,[13]Flight modes