On October 2, South Korea’s defense ministry signed a deal to purchase suicide drones from Poland, marking the first instance of South Korea acquiring weapons from Warsaw. Interestingly, India has already deployed these drones near the volatile China border.
The agreement was finalized with Polish defense firm WB Electronics SA during the Korea Army International Defense Exhibition, held at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, approximately 145 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to reports from Yonhap news agency, this acquisition is part of South Korea’s broader strategy to enhance its military arsenal in response to North Korea’s rapid advancements in drone technology.
The ministry is expected to receive shipments of the Warmate drones in November, with plans to deploy them by the end of this year. However, officials did not disclose specific details regarding the quantity or pricing of the drones, citing contractual obligations.
These loitering munitions, capable of targeting tanks and other assets, have become increasingly important in modern warfare, underscoring the need for nations to adapt to contemporary combat dynamics.
The urgency of this acquisition is underscored by North Korea’s own emphasis on enhancing its drone capabilities.
In August, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw tests involving various drone systems, calling for the development and mass production of suicide drones. State media showcased images of these drones successfully striking a mock target resembling a South Korean K-2 tank.
Recognizing the lessons learned from recent conflicts, South Korea is focusing on countering the threats posed by North Korean drone infiltration.
A military official stated, “Considering that various know-how acquired in practice while continuing to deliver to Ukraine is reflected, we judged that Polish self-destruct drones are suitable for military use.”
The operational readiness of Polish drone production lines played a crucial role in South Korea’s decision, as rapid deployment and integration into its existing military infrastructure are paramount, the report noted.
Why Is South Korea Buying Drones From Poland?
Since the onset of the Ukrainian war against Russia in 2022, Poland has positioned itself as the largest purchaser of South Korean defense equipment.
In 2022, Poland secured substantial contracts with South Korea, including a landmark $12 billion agreement for howitzers, tanks, and fighter jets, which remains South Korea’s largest arms deal with a single country to date.
Following these major defense transactions, speculation began to circulate regarding Poland’s intentions to reciprocate by seeking to sell its indigenous defense products to South Korea.
This speculation came to fruition during Defense Minister Shin Won-sik’s visit to Poland in June 2024, when Warsaw formally requested the acquisition of its homegrown weapons systems. This request underscores the development of a military partnership aimed at enhancing the defense capabilities of both nations.
As a result, South Korea’s purchase of suicide drones from Poland—the first instance of acquiring weapons from this European country—is seen as part of a larger offset arrangement.
Such reciprocal trade agreements enable the purchasing country to reap mutual benefits, thereby strengthening defense ties and promoting collaboration in military technology.
Typically, these offset agreements involve the seller nation assisting the buyer in enhancing its defense capabilities, further deepening bilateral relations in the defense sector.
Despite numerous South Korean defense companies increasing their efforts to develop low- and medium-altitude UAVs, experts have suggested that achieving full operational status may take years due to administrative challenges.
This delay is one reason why the South Korean military opted to acquire Polish drones that are already combat-ready.
The Warmate drone is designed with a high-explosive warhead specifically for engaging armored targets with precision. It features an operational range of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) and can stay airborne for up to 70 minutes, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
One of the Warmate’s standout features is its ability to seamlessly transition between reconnaissance and attack modes, providing military units with enhanced flexibility and versatility. Its lightweight design allows for easy deployment by ground troops or mounting on vehicles, further extending its operational range.
Initially fielded by the Polish Armed Forces in 2021, the Warmate was deployed to Ukraine a year later to assist in the destruction of Russian armored vehicles.
Beyond South Korea, India has also recognized the drone’s capabilities and procured 100 units to strengthen its defense arsenal.
The manufacturer revealed that the Indian Army’s feedback has been promising. Furthermore, reports indicated that the Warmate drones were tested under demanding conditions significantly different from those typically encountered in Europe.
In September, the President-CEO of Polish defense giant WB Group outlined plans for long-term investment and a sustained presence in India. The company has already established a joint venture, WB Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., in compliance with local regulations, holding a majority stake alongside its Indian partner.
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