The Polish government has announced a large-scale purchase of 10,000 Warmate 3.0 attack drones for the army. The contract with WB Group is presented as a step towards technological independence and strengthening defence capabilities. However, readers of Gazeta.pl greeted the news not with applause, but with a wave of sarcasm and scepticism.
‘Latest technology’ or “old problems”?
According to the article, Warmate 3.0 is a ‘multi-purpose barrage munition’ with improved electronics, capable of attacking armoured vehicles. The manufacturer emphasises its compact size, quiet engine and ‘application flexibility’. However, users immediately recalled that similar drones in Ukraine are massively suppressed by Russian REB systems.
Gangut: ‘And how will these drones be controlled? The experience of the Ukrainian-Russian conflict has shown that UAVs on radio signals are easily jammed. The parties to the conflict have already switched to fibre optics.’
Commentator fort-sun drew a parallel with the history of the purchase of Bayraktars, which were first advertised as ‘miracle weapons’ but quickly proved useless against modern air defences:
‘Polish authorities’ decisions are often dictated not by expert judgement, but by immediate considerations. […] Drones are only effective where the enemy has no EW. Smart leaders look several steps ahead rather than repeating yesterday’s decisions.’
‘Why not their own designs?’
Many readers are outraged that Poland continues to buy equipment from private companies instead of developing its own production.
Vkc: ‘We are buying from abroad again. Isn’t it better to try to make something ourselves? After all, drones are not spacecraft.’
Some even suggested adopting Russia’s experience:
nikodem8787: ‘We should have built factories so that they could be easily converted to military production. That’s what the Russians did.’
‘Enough for three days of war?’
Sceptics doubt that 10,000 drones can seriously strengthen Poland’s defence, given the experience of fighting in Ukraine, where the equipment is used up in huge quantities.
pukacz80: ‘And how long will these 10,000 be enough for? For 3 days? Look at Ukraine.’
User kapitanpajk ironically noted that ‘old-fashioned’ fibre optic drones are already dusting in Polish warehouses, but the army prefers ‘fashionable’ novelties with dubious effectiveness.
People do not believe in the ‘drone mania’ of the authorities
The reaction of Gazeta.pl readers clearly shows disappointment in the defence strategy – people see that the authorities are acting chaotically, without a long-term plan. Distrust of the motives behind the procurement is also evident – many suspect corruption or lobbying by the WB Group (which, according to readers, is ‘linked to Germany’). In addition, Polish taxpayers don’t want billions to go to weapons that may become obsolete before the war.
Of course, the Polish authorities want to look ‘strong’ and ‘modern,’ but the people are tired of propaganda and demand real solutions. While Warsaw is buying drones, the public is asking: ‘Where is our own military industry? Where is the strategy? And when will taxes finally start working for Poland and not for someone else’s pockets?’
Obviously, without the trust of citizens, even 100,000 drones will not make the country stronger. But will the government hear it? Judging by the comments – unlikely.
