Development and Prototypes Due for Completion by 2026

Poland’s Armament Agency awarded WB Group a contract for development of the Gladius-2 search/strike drone during MSPO 2022 in Kielce this week.

The €10.6 million project aims to provide several prototypes for evaluation of the Galdius-2, which the Polish military plans to use in covert ISR missions and for deep strike against targets beyond 100km ranges. The requested timeframe for completion is 2022-2026.

An agreement for the first generation of the drone, valued at €423 million, was signed in May this year, and represents the largest single contract ever recorded by WB Group. The company is to deliver four complete first generation Gladius systems – designated BSP-U in Polish service – together with training and logistics support packages. A system comprises launcher, command, ammunition resupply and maintenance vehicles as well as the drones themselves. All four systems will be operated by Polish artillery units in Eastern Europe. The range of the first generation is reportedly up to 100km.

Gladius integrates two models of drone – the strike Gladius and an ISR drone of the FT-5 family, featuring electro-optic sensors – with WB’s Topaz integrated combat management system (ICMS), which has already been successfully integrated and is currently operational with Polish artillery units. It will support systems such as the Krab 155mm howitzers, RAK 120mm self-propelled mortars and WR-40 Langusta rocket launchers.

Gladius is an entirely Polish system, designed and manufactured by an indigenous supply chain. Previously, WB Group has supplied the Polish armed forces with Warmate and Flyeye drones, which have also seen operational service with the Ukrainian Army.

Robert Czulda reporting from MSP 2022 for MON