Recent images posted on X (formerly Twitter) unveil the Indian Army’s possession of Polish Warmate micro loitering drones. Manufactured by WB Electronics, these combat mini UAVs offer precise strike capabilities with a diverse range of roles based on their installed heads. Weighing 4kg, Warmate flies at speeds up to 150km/h, covering 10km in line-of-sight. Its 30-minute endurance and altitudes of 500m AGL and 3,000m AMSL contribute to its versatility. Operating at altitudes of 30m to 200m AGL, it’s adaptable to military vehicles, carrying varied warheads and sensors including day/night cameras and laser target designators.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Loitering Munition: Unmanned aerial vehicle designed to remain in the air for extended periods, self-destructing after fulfilling its purpose.
- Line of Sight (LOS): The unobstructed visual path between two points, used to describe Warmate’s 10km operational range.
- Thermobaric: A type of explosive that utilizes oxygen from the surrounding air to create a high-temperature explosion, highly effective against enclosed spaces and bunkers.
- Laser Target Designator: A device that emits a laser beam to mark a specific target, aiding guided munitions in accurately hitting the designated point.
