During the ongoing MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland, Swedish defense firm Saab and Poland’s WB Group have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing defense capabilities through collaborative projects in drones, naval platforms, and border protection technologies.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone in bolstering defense collaboration between Poland and Sweden. He emphasized that the partnership with WB Group would facilitate the sharing of expertise and the scaling of innovations to provide advanced solutions for national security.
WB Group has been increasingly recognized as a pivotal player in Poland’s efforts to strengthen its defense infrastructure. The company recently secured a contract to deliver 10,000 Warmate loitering munitions, with phased deliveries of 1,000 units planned each year until 2035. This initiative is expected to bolster both dismounted and vehicle-mounted military units, with capabilities tailored to engage armored vehicles and infantry effectively.
In addition to the Warmate munitions, WB Electronics, a subsidiary of WB Group, formed a joint venture with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace earlier this year to manufacture missiles for the Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers in Poland. This collaboration underlines the strategic focus on multi-faceted defense solutions.
Moreover, last year, WB Group secured a contract valued at 13.5 million euros (approximately $14 million) for the provision of seven FlyEye reconnaissance drone systems, with each system consisting of four drones and a ground station, further demonstrating the firm’s commitment to enhancing Poland’s military capabilities.
In light of escalating security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Poland is intensifying its military modernization efforts. The nation has announced plans for significant increases in defense spending, targeting 4.8 percent of its GDP for the upcoming year. This strategy aligns closely with NATO’s updated guidelines, moving Poland nearer to the alliance’s 5 percent goal and significantly surpassing the previous benchmark of 2 percent.
Both Saab and WB Group’s cooperation is poised to play a key role in advancing Poland’s defense sector, reinforcing national security amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
