South Korea is set to purchase Polish-made loitering munitions, a decision influenced by the drones’ proven effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense recently submitted a formal request to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the purchase, with the deal expected to be completed within the year.
According to military sources, the South Korean government plans to procure approximately 200 units of the Warmate drone, a loitering munition manufactured by Poland’s WB Electronics. The total cost of the deal is estimated at around 14.6 billion Korean won ($10.9 million).
These suicide drones have seen extensive use in Ukraine, where they have proven highly effective against Russian forces.
Warmate drones are equipped with a variety of warheads, including high-explosive and thermobaric options, making them adaptable to different mission needs. With a maximum take-off weight of 5.7 kilograms, the drones can operate within a 30-kilometer range and reach speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour. They are designed to remain airborne for up to 60 minutes, giving operators greater flexibility in targeting.