Following the successful deployment of its Warmate loitering munitions by the Indian Army, Poland's WB Group is now aiming to fulfill the Army's drone requirements with its FLYEYE mini unmanned aerial system (UAS). This versatile drone, designed for both military and civilian applications, boasts a modular design for easy transport and rapid deployment, making it suitable for diverse operational environments.
"We are seeing the Indian market from both sides. One as a big market, one of the biggest in the world. Second, we see it as a big industrial partner for our production,” said Piotr Wojciechowski, President-CEO of WB Group, in an interview with The Hindu. He emphasized their commitment to India's "Make in India" initiative, highlighting the potential for local production and collaboration.
The FLYEYE, with its 3.6-meter wingspan and 2.5-hour flight endurance, offers a range of features including a dual observation head with visible light and infrared cameras, allowing for enhanced situational awareness. It can also be equipped with light precision armament and an acoustic vector sensor for offensive and reconnaissance capabilities, respectively.
WB Group has already established a joint venture in India, WB Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., and plans to leverage this partnership for production and development of new systems. This move is driven by the availability of skilled talent and resources in India, which the company sees as crucial for its growth.
The Warmate loitering munitions, procured by the Indian Army under Emergency Procurement, have reportedly performed well in demanding conditions. "We have received very good feedback from the Indian Army. They are using them in very demanding conditions, different from the conditions we have in Europe,” Mr. Wojciechowski commented.
The company is confident that the FLYEYE, with its proven track record in Ukraine and other regions, will meet the Indian Army's specific requirements. They also plan to offer their communication systems, including Software Defined Radios, to the Indian armed forces.
This development comes as the Indian Army is actively procuring a range of drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions through emergency procurement routes to bolster its capabilities. WB Group, with its expertise in unmanned systems, communication, and reconnaissance technologies, is well-positioned to cater to this growing demand in the Indian defence market.
