WB Group secures major Polish contracts for reconnaissance-strike unmanned systems under EU SAFE funding
AI Analysis
Poland's Armament Agency has awarded WB Group three major contracts, funded by the EU's SAFE instrument, for reconnaissance-strike unmanned systems. The procurement includes hundreds of WARMATE loitering munitions, nearly 200 FLYEYE reconnaissance drones, and 12 GLADIUS reconnaissance-strike system batteries. WB Group is also seeing international interest, with Canada expressing intent to procure drones.
Key Takeaways
- WB Group secured the largest procurement of reconnaissance-strike UAS in Polish and potentially European history.
- The contracts are valued at a significant sum and are financed through the EU's SAFE (Security Assistance and Enhancement) instrument, indicating a push for joint procurement.
- Systems procured include WARMATE (loitering munition), FLYEYE (reconnaissance), and GLADIUS (reconnaissance-strike) UAS.
- Canada has expressed interest in procuring drones from WB Group, suggesting export potential.
- Polish officials emphasize the combat-proven nature and positive user feedback regarding WB Group's systems.
Why It Matters
This procurement significantly enhances Poland's UAS capabilities, providing a layered reconnaissance and strike capacity. The EU SAFE funding and potential for joint procurement signal a broader trend towards collaborative defense efforts within the EU. WB Group's success positions it as a key player in the European drone market and demonstrates the growing importance of loitering munitions and advanced reconnaissance systems.
WB Group secures major Polish contracts for reconnaissance-strike unmanned systems under EU SAFE funding
WB Group secures major Polish contracts for reconnaissance-strike unmanned systems under EU SAFE funding
By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)
Air| June 2, 2026
Photo: Polish Armed Forces.
Poland’s Armament Agency has signed three contracts with WB Group for the delivery of new reconnaissance-strike unmanned systems. The company said the agreements represent the largest procurement of such capabilities in the history of the Polish Armed Forces and in Europe.
The contracts were signed on 28 May in Ożarów Mazowiecki by WB Group President Piotr Wojciechowski and Major General Artur Kuptel, Head of the Armament Agency of the Ministry of National Defence, acting on behalf of the State Treasury. The procurement will be financed through the European Union’s SAFE instrument.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence Paweł Bejda, Government Plenipotentiary for the Security Enhancement Instrument Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, representatives of the Armament Agency and WB Group employees. The agreements cover hundreds of WARMATE loitering munition systems, nearly 200 FLYEYE unmanned reconnaissance systems and 12 battery-level fire units of the GLADIUS reconnaissance-strike unmanned system.
“The SAFE mechanism is based on joint procurement. In May, the phase of individual contracts – under which a single Member State, such as Poland, could purchase specific products – will come to an end. After that, we will enter a new chapter of international contracts. We have just returned from Canada, where the Canadian side declared its intention to procure drones from WB. Today, further declarations were made by additional partners from the European Union,” said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said WB Group had become an important representative of the Polish economy and defence industry abroad. “I am proud to be here, in a company that has become a flagship of the Polish economy, as we see every time we go abroad. We hear it every day from Polish soldiers. There is no better recommendation than that of a Polish soldier. If they speak highly of your equipment, the entire world will speak highly of it – and indeed, it already does,” he said after the signing.
Wojciechowski said the contracts were an important recognition of the company’s work and the operational value of its systems. “This event is of special significance to us. It is a great recognition of the work of our engineers, specialists, and all our employees. The Polish Armed Forces have decided to procure modern equipment that has been combat-proven and highly valued by its users. Moreover, we are committed to its further development to make it even more advanced and effective,” he said after the ceremony.
The company said the agreements wil