Poland Rolls Out Sea Drone That Can Fire Loitering Munitions
WB Group’s StormRider sea drone deploys loitering munitions, surveillance systems, and remote weapon stations to safeguard maritime missions.
Poland’s WB Group has pulled the wraps off StormRider, a naval drone built to support maritime expeditions and strike from afar.
Armed with a WARMATE TL launcher, the unmanned vessel can deploy loitering munitions for precision strikes while limiting collateral damage.
Remote weapon stations also enhance its offensive capabilities, enabling long-range tracking and target engagement without a crew onboard.
To reduce risk to personnel, StormRider can operate remotely or semi-autonomously, thanks to its automated architecture.
“StormRider can be used to protect roadsteads, ports, anchorages, and critical maritime infrastructure,” the company stated on its website. “The system is also used for counter-sabotage operations and in support of Force Protection operations.”
The company added that the naval drone is engineered to function independently or as part of joint patrol and protection missions with military forces.
Guarding Baltic Seas
StormRider draws on WB Group’s experience in designing yachts and fast craft.
At 8.5 meters (27.8 feet) long and 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide, it can launch from frigates like the upcoming Miecznik-class or from patrol ships currently in service with the Polish Navy.
Beyond its strike role, StormRider is outfitted with a suite of cutting-edge sensors, including a radar, sonar, and an echosounder, enabling continuous monitoring regardless of weather or visibility.
The drone also features a variety of optoelectronic systems for surveillance and targeting, including a daylight camera with thermal imaging and a laser rangefinder.
These capabilities position it for Baltic patrols and for supporting offshore installations such as seabed energy platforms.
WB Group presented StormRider publicly for the first time during the 33rd MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland.
