WB Electronics Warmate

{{Short description|Polish loitering munition}} {{Infobox weapon | name = WB Electronics Warmate | image = MSPO23 Warmate.jpg | origin = [[Poland]]  | type = [[Loitering munition]] | is_ranged = Yes | is_explosive = Yes | is_vehicle = Yes | is_missile = Yes | used_by = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' | wars = [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] [[2025 India–Pakistan strikes]] | manufacturer = [[WB Electronics]] | unit_cost = {{US$|26459.93|2017|long=no|showyear=yes}} | production_date = 2016–current | weight = Empty: {{convert|4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} [[MTOW]]: {{convert|5.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (Warmate), {{convert|30|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (Warmate 2) | length = {{convert|1.1|m|abbr=on}} | width = {{convert|1.6|m|abbr=on}} | filling = '''Warmate:''' Training, HE-FRAG with 300g of TNT or [[HEAT]] (penetration 200–240mm of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]]) '''Warmate 2:''' Training, HE-FRAG, thermobaric [[Thermobaric weapons#Fuel-air explosive|FAE]] or HEAT (penetration 400mm of RHA) | filling_weight = '''Warmate:''' {{convert|1.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} '''Warmate 2:''' {{convert|5|kg|abbr=on}} | engine = [[Electric motor]] | payload_capacity = | vehicle_range = '''Warmate:''' {{convert|30|km|abbr=on}} '''Warmate 2:''' {{convert|30-240|km|abbr=on}} | ceiling = {{convert|9800|ft|m|abbr=on}} [[AMSL]] | altitude = '''Warmate:''' {{convert|150-300|m|abbr=on}} [[Above ground level|AGL]] '''Warmate 2:''' {{convert|100-200|m|abbr=on}} [[Above ground level|AGL]] | speed = Flight: {{convert|120|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}} Attack: {{convert|150|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}} | accuracy = {{convert|1.5|m|abbr=on}} [[Circular error probable|CEP]] |image_size = 300 }}

'''WB Electronics Warmate''' is a class of [[loitering munition]] UAVs developed by the [[Poland|Polish]] defence contractor [[WB Group]],<ref name=":0" /> having entered into the initial production in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Glowacki |first1=Bartosz |date=28 April 2016 |title=Warmate expendable UAV in production for two customers |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/civil-uavs/warmate-expendable-uav-in-production-for-two-customers/120427.article |accessdate=16 February 2023 |website=flightglobal.com |publisher=[[DVV Media Group]]}}</ref>

== Design == The Warmate can be equipped with several different payloads, including [[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]], [[High-explosive anti-tank warhead|HEAT]] and [[thermobaric]] warheads<ref name=":0" /> and has a [[Swarm robotics#Drone swarming|swarming capability]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-08-16 |title=WB Group's Smart Swarm: Against the A2/AD Systems |url=https://defence24.com/wb-groups-smart-swarm-against-the-a2ad-systems |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=defence24.com |language=pl}}</ref>

=== W2MPIR system === '''W2MPIR''' (Vampire; {{Langx|pl|Wielowarstwowy System Przełamania A2AD/Powietrzny Inteligentny Rój|4=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-effectiveness analysis#In military acquisitions|cost-effective]] strike/reconnaissance capability to fulfill the [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|suppression of enemy air/missile defenses]] (SEAD) and [[Electromagnetic warfare|electronic warfare]] (EW) missions.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=SWARM System |url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/swarm-system/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=WB GROUP |language=en-US}}</ref>

The system consists of assorted [[Interoperability|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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />

== Variants ==

=== Warmate-R === The Warmate-R is an [[Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance|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 designator|laser target designator]]. It has a "Target Lock" mode for tracking moving targets and enables accurate target location data.<ref name="warmate-r">{{cite web |url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-r/ |title=WARMATE R Loitering Reconnaissance System |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627200735/https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-r/ |archive-date=2022-06-27 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Warmate-TL === The 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.<ref name=":1" />

=== "3.0" generation === 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:<ref name=":1" />

* {{Convert|30|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}} radio range with control [[handover]] support for a total operational range of {{Convert|80|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}, * 70 minute flight endurance, * Warheads designed for better firepower against [[high-value target]]s, incl. persons and reconnaissance, communications and [[Electromagnetic warfare|EW]] systems, * Quiet<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-21 |title=Lithuania to hand over Warmate kamikaze drones to Ukraine in October–November |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/lithuania-to-hand-over-warmate-kamikaze-drones-to-ukraine-in-october-november/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref> low-RPM engine that can be shut down during the engagement to avoid detection, * Ability to fold the [[Propeller (aeronautics)|propeller]] blades in the final attack phase of flight,<ref name=":22"/> * Ability to operate in all weather conditions, * Extra control surfaces on the wings for improved [[Flight dynamics|maneuverability]], and * Integration with other WB Electronics systems such as the ''FlyEye'' mini [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance drone]] or ''Topaz'' [[Battle command|battle management]] system.

=== Warmate 2 === The Warmate 2 is a newer, larger, and heavier version of the original Warmate drone to be launched from [[elastomer]]ic vehicle-mounted launchers.<ref name=":1" />

This new model features an increased {{Convert|30|kg|abbr=on}} maximum take-off weight<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2018-09-03 |title=Loitering Munitions System / WARMATE 2 |url=https://wbgroupamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Warmate-2-ENG.pdf |access-date=2024-01-18 |publisher=[[WB Group]] |pages=2–3 }}</ref> and heavier {{Convert|5|kg|lb|abbr=on}} [[Explosive|high-explosive]]-[[Fragmentation (weaponry)|fragmentation]] (HE-FRAG), [[Thermobaric weapon#Fuel–air explosive|fuel-air explosive]] (FAE) and [[High-explosive anti-tank|HEAT]] warheads designed to destroy [[Vehicle armour|armored vehicles]], [[Command center|command outposts]] and other hardened targets.<ref name=":1" /> The HEAT warhead is capable of penetration of 400mm of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]].<ref name=":4" /> The manufacturer promotes this variant as a viable alternative to [[anti-tank guided missile]]s, allowing for engagements at [[standoff distance]]s, while also simplifying [[target acquisition]].<ref name=":22"/> The rest of the warheads has a {{Convert|40|m|abbr=on}} fragmentation (HE) or implosion (FAE) effect.<ref name=":4" />

The radio range of Warmate 2 has been extended to {{Convert|180|km||abbr=on}} for a total operational range of {{Convert|30-240|km||abbr=on}}, which translates to a 2 hour flight endurance. The flight altitude was lowered to {{Convert|100-200|m|abbr=on}} for lower probability of intercept.<ref name=":1" />

The [[Aircraft flight control system|flight control]] is fully automatic with waypoint navigation, and an automatic [[Video tracking|video tracker]] with [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]] and [[Thermographic camera|thermal IR]] cameras allowing for all-weather operations and [[night combat]].<ref name=":4" />

== Deployment == The Warmate has been operated in various countries, notably participating in [[2025 India–Pakistan strikes]].

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 [[Arms industry#International arms transfers|inter-government arms transfers]] and private fundraisers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-16 |title=Polacy kupili bojowe drony dla Ukrainy |trans-title=The Polish had bought combat drones for Ukraine |url=https://defence24.pl/wojna-na-ukrainie-raport-specjalny-defence24/polacy-kupili-bojowe-drony-dla-ukrainy |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=defence24.pl |publisher=Defence24 |language=pl}}</ref> Similar private fundraisers had been organized in other countries such as Lithuania, to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.<ref name=":22"/>

==Operators== ===Current operators=== *{{flaglist|NATO}} **Unspecified NATO member<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.milmag.pl/news/view?news_id=397 | website=www.MilMag.pl | year=2017 | title=MON kupuje WarmateTekst pochodzi z Magazynu Militarnego MILMAG. Przeczytaj więcej | language=pl | trans-title=Ministry of National Defense buys Warmate}}</ref> *{{POL}} **[[Polish Armed Forces]] ***[[Polish Special Forces]] ***[[Territorial Defence Force (Poland)|Territorial Defence Force]] *{{UKR}} **[[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] *{{UAE}} **Including Warmate 2<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Gruszczyński |first=Jerzy |date=September 2022 |title=Amunicja krążąca Warmate i BSPU Gladius dla Wojska Polskiego |trans-title=Warmate loitering munition and Gladius unmanned reconnaissance and strike system for the Polish Armed Forces |url=https://zbiam.pl/artykuly/amunicja-krazaca-warmate/ |publisher=ZBiAM}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-04-21 |title=Warmate odnotowany w Libii |trans-title=Warmate noted in Libya |url=https://dziennikzbrojny.pl/aktualnosci/news,3,11310,aktualnosci-ze-swiata,warmate-odnotowany-w-libii |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=DziennikZbrojny.pl |language=pl}}</ref> *{{TUR}}<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |date=2020 |title=Warmate odnotowany w Libii |trans-title=Warmate noted in Libya |journal=Nowa Technika Wojskowa |issue=4 |pages=6 |issn=1230-1655}}</ref><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> *{{IND}} **100 units<ref>{{cite web |date=20 June 2022 |title=Polska amunicja krążąca "zdobywa" Indie |url=https://defence24.pl/sily-zbrojne/polska-amunicja-krazaca-zdobywa-indie}}</ref> *{{GEO}} **Produced domestically by Delta-WB LTD joint venture<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://mod.gov.ge/en/news/read/9320/defense-forces-of-georgia-received-uavs-produced-in-georgia-and-american-radars | title=Defense Forces of Georgia Received UAVs Produced in Georgia and American Radars | website=mod.gov.ge | date=2023-12-14| publisher=[[Ministry of Defence of Georgia]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/aktualnosci/wb-unmanned-systems-for-georgia/ | title=WB GROUP unmanned systems for Georgia | date=18 May 2022 }}</ref> *{{LBY}} **[[Libyan National Army]] ***Acquired by the United Arab Emirates in 2020<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |date=23 March 2021 |title=Tracking Arms Transfers By The UAE, Russia, Jordan And Egypt To The Libyan National Army Since 2014 |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2020/06/types-of-arms-and-equipment-supplied-to.html |website=Oryx Blog}}</ref> *Unspecified Middle-Eastern operator.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=30353 | website=www.altair.com.pl | year=2020 | title=Warmate w Libii | language=pl | trans-title=Warmate in Libya}}</ref>

===Future operators=== *{{Flag|South Korea}} **[[Republic of Korea Armed Forces|ROK Armed Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.donga.com/news/Politics/article/all/20241003/130146708/2|title=軍, 폴란드산 자폭 드론 구매 계약… 北 위협에 맞불|publisher=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]]|date=3 October 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002222007/https://www.donga.com/news/Politics/article/all/20241003/130146708/2|archivedate=2 October 2024|accessdate=2 October 2024|author1=Son Hyo-joo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Defence24 |date=2024-10-02 |title=Polska firma z koreańskim kontraktem |url=https://defence24.pl/przemysl/polska-firma-z-koreanskim-kontraktem |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=defence24.pl |language=pl}}</ref> ***Ten sets with nearly two hundred Warmate 3 strike systems in combat and training variants ordered

==Specifications== ===Warmate=== * '''Length:''' {{convert|1.1|m}} * '''Wingspan:''' ~ {{cvt|1.6|m}} * '''Empty weight:''' {{convert|4|kg}} * '''Payload weight:''' {{convert|1.4|kg|lb}} * '''Max take-off weight:''' {{convert|5.7|kg|1}} * '''Cruise airspeed:''' {{convert|80|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}}<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-loitering-munnitions/ |title=WARMATE loitering munitions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720203905/https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-loitering-munnitions/ |archive-date=2022-07-20 |url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Max horizontal speed:''' {{Convert|120|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}}<ref name="warmate_pdf">{{cite web |url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/app/uploads/2017/06/warmate_eng_large_22q2.pdf |title=WARMATE Loitering Munitions System |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720204151/https://www.wbgroup.pl/app/uploads/2017/06/warmate_eng_large_22q2.pdf |archive-date=2022-07-20 |url-status=live}}</ref> * '''Max attack airspeed:''' {{convert|150|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}} * '''Range:''' {{Convert|30|km|mi nmi}} * '''Endurance:''' 60 minutes * '''Cruise altitude:''' {{convert|150|to|300|m|-2}} [[Above ground level|AGL]] * '''Flight ceiling:''' {{cvt|3000|m}} [[AMSL]] * '''Warhead:''' Training, HE-FRAG with 300g of [[TNT equivalent|TNT]] or HEAT (penetration 200–240mm against [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]]) * '''[[Circular error probable|CEP]]:''' 1.5m * '''Propulsion:''' Electric motor

'''Flight modes''' * AUTO: follows a pre-programmed route.<ref name=warmate_pdf /> * HOLD: orbits a point over the ground. * FLY TO: fly to the selected point with a stable altitude. * CRUISE: keep a particular altitude and flight direction, semi-manual control supported by autopilot in the camera direction. * SEARCH: slow diving flight necessary for proper target selection.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-tl-loitering-munitions-system/ |title=Warmate TL |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720203935/https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-tl-loitering-munitions-system/ |archive-date=2022-07-20 |url-status=live}}</ref> * ATTACK: initiates the strike. The automated video tracker allows for a precise target hit even after the loss of communication.

===Warmate R=== * '''Range:''' {{cvt|15|km}}<ref name="warmate-r"/> * '''Endurance:''' 80 minutes * '''Weight:''' {{convert|5.2|kg}} * '''Operation ceiling:''' {{cvt|500|m}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [https://www.wbgroup.pl/en/produkt/warmate-loitering-munnitions/ Warmate] WB Group website * [http://www.defence24.com/358359,warmate-polish-loitering-munition-two-export-agreements-have-been-already-signed Warmate: Polish Loitering Munition. “Two Export Agreements Have Been Already Signed”] * {{in lang|pl}} Mariusz Cielma, ''Warmate - nowy powietrzny środek wsparcia ogniowego'', „Nowa Technika Wojskowa”, nr 5 (2016), s. 92–95, {{ISSN|1230-1655}}. * {{in lang|pl}} Bartosz Głowacki, ''Uniwersalny towarzysz broni'', „Rapot”, nr 5 (2016), s. 24–28, {{ISSN|1429-270X}}. * {{in lang|en}} [http://wb.com.pl/warmate-en/?lang=en Manufacturer's webpage]

[[Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of Poland]] [[Category:Loitering munitions]]