Polish Military Expands Drone Capabilities with New FlyEye Systems from WB Group
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On November 15, 2024, a contract was signed at the Polish Ministry of Defense for the acquisition of 13 FlyEye drone systems, marking another step in bolstering the reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. This order, valued at approximately PLN 100 million, is part of a progressive strategy aimed at equipping the military with high-performance drones while supporting the national defense industry.
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With over 2.5 hours of flight endurance, the FlyEye can reach speeds of 60 to 120 km/h, operate at altitudes up to 3,500 meters, and serve as a communication relay or light transport platform for specific payloads (Picture source: WB Group)
The FlyEye, developed by Flytronic, a subsidiary of WB Group, is a mini-class drone primarily designed for image reconnaissance, artillery fire control, and patrol missions. Weighing about 12 kg, it features an optronic head equipped with a daytime TV camera for daylight operations and a thermal imaging camera for nighttime missions or low-visibility conditions. With a flight endurance exceeding 2.5 hours, it can reach speeds between 60 and 120 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. Its versatility also allows it to function as a communication relay or a light transport platform for specific payloads.
Equipped with advanced navigation systems, the FlyEye can operate in manual mode or autonomously along a preprogrammed route. It is compatible with the Topaz fire control system used by Poland’s rocket and artillery forces, making it well-suited for integrated operations. Known for its resilience against electronic warfare, the drone has demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine, where its reliability has been noted. The FlyEye can be launched by hand, requires no runway, and can land on diverse terrains, making it ideal for demanding tactical environments.
This latest order follows a previous contract in September for six FlyEye systems valued at PLN 24 million. Earlier this year, in March, another order was placed for seven systems worth PLN 54 million. With this newest addition, the Polish Armed Forces will have 26 operational systems by the end of 2024, comprising a total of 104 individual drones. These incremental acquisitions highlight a deliberate strategy to expand capabilities while ensuring that each batch benefits from the latest technological advancements.
Signed by Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armament Agency, and Piotr Wojciechowski, president of WB Group, this agreement is part of a broader framework established in September 2023. The framework aims to provide the Polish Armed Forces with 400 FlyEye systems, equivalent to approximately 1,700 drones, by 2035. The Ministry of Defense’s phased procurement approach ensures that each order incorporates state-of-the-art technology as it becomes available.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that this investment addresses the immediate needs of the military while supporting the domestic defense sector. The contract aligns with a strategic policy in which half of defense spending is allocated to domestic companies, fostering sustainable growth and economic benefits for Poland.
In recent years, Poland has emerged as a key player in drone development and production, integrating these technologies into both its national defense strategy and industrial sector. With leading companies such as WB Group, Poland has specialized in reconnaissance drones, surveillance systems, and loitering munitions for both military and civilian applications.
Systems like the FlyEye have benefited from strong government support, which prioritizes procurement from domestic suppliers under its industrial policy. The Polish drone industry has also proven capable of meeting the demands of modern conflicts, as demonstrated by the deployment of Polish drones in Ukraine, where they have been commended for their resilience to electronic countermeasures. This rapid progress has allowed Poland to reduce its reliance on foreign imports while positioning itself as a competitive exporter of advanced defense technologies.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
On November 15, 2024, a contract was signed at the Polish Ministry of Defense for the acquisition of 13 FlyEye drone systems, marking another step in bolstering the reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. This order, valued at approximately PLN 100 million, is part of a progressive strategy aimed at equipping the military with high-performance drones while supporting the national defense industry.
With over 2.5 hours of flight endurance, the FlyEye can reach speeds of 60 to 120 km/h, operate at altitudes up to 3,500 meters, and serve as a communication relay or light transport platform for specific payloads (Picture source: WB Group)
The FlyEye, developed by Flytronic, a subsidiary of WB Group, is a mini-class drone primarily designed for image reconnaissance, artillery fire control, and patrol missions. Weighing about 12 kg, it features an optronic head equipped with a daytime TV camera for daylight operations and a thermal imaging camera for nighttime missions or low-visibility conditions. With a flight endurance exceeding 2.5 hours, it can reach speeds between 60 and 120 km/h and operate at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters. Its versatility also allows it to function as a communication relay or a light transport platform for specific payloads.
Equipped with advanced navigation systems, the FlyEye can operate in manual mode or autonomously along a preprogrammed route. It is compatible with the Topaz fire control system used by Poland’s rocket and artillery forces, making it well-suited for integrated operations. Known for its resilience against electronic warfare, the drone has demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine, where its reliability has been noted. The FlyEye can be launched by hand, requires no runway, and can land on diverse terrains, making it ideal for demanding tactical environments.
This latest order follows a previous contract in September for six FlyEye systems valued at PLN 24 million. Earlier this year, in March, another order was placed for seven systems worth PLN 54 million. With this newest addition, the Polish Armed Forces will have 26 operational systems by the end of 2024, comprising a total of 104 individual drones. These incremental acquisitions highlight a deliberate strategy to expand capabilities while ensuring that each batch benefits from the latest technological advancements.
Signed by Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armament Agency, and Piotr Wojciechowski, president of WB Group, this agreement is part of a broader framework established in September 2023. The framework aims to provide the Polish Armed Forces with 400 FlyEye systems, equivalent to approximately 1,700 drones, by 2035. The Ministry of Defense’s phased procurement approach ensures that each order incorporates state-of-the-art technology as it becomes available.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that this investment addresses the immediate needs of the military while supporting the domestic defense sector. The contract aligns with a strategic policy in which half of defense spending is allocated to domestic companies, fostering sustainable growth and economic benefits for Poland.
In recent years, Poland has emerged as a key player in drone development and production, integrating these technologies into both its national defense strategy and industrial sector. With leading companies such as WB Group, Poland has specialized in reconnaissance drones, surveillance systems, and loitering munitions for both military and civilian applications.
Systems like the FlyEye have benefited from strong government support, which prioritizes procurement from domestic suppliers under its industrial policy. The Polish drone industry has also proven capable of meeting the demands of modern conflicts, as demonstrated by the deployment of Polish drones in Ukraine, where they have been commended for their resilience to electronic countermeasures. This rapid progress has allowed Poland to reduce its reliance on foreign imports while positioning itself as a competitive exporter of advanced defense technologies.
