WB GROUP has launched the production of unmanned aerial systems in Ukraine. This initiative responds to the increased demand from the Ukrainian Armed Forces for advanced reconnaissance platforms that have been repeatedly and successfully proven in combat. The production facility was recently visited by Piotr Łukasiewicz, Head of the Polish Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine.
FlyEye, developed by Flytronic (a WB GROUP company), is an advanced unmanned aerial system that has been in use in the Ukrainian conflict for a decade. The first platforms were delivered to Ukrainian users in 2015. It is one of the few Western UAV designs formally introduced into service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are among the largest operators of the FlyEye system. The platform has been repeatedly tested by them under the most demanding high-intensity combat conditions. Despite being one of the most heavily used systems on the front line, it maintains one of the highest survivability rates during missions.
In early 2025, under a previously signed agreement, production of unmanned platforms began at one of the facilities operated by WB Ukraine, a WB GROUP subsidiary established in the late 2010s. The company is distinguished by a team of specialists with unique combat experience in operating unmanned systems during high-intensity conflict.
From the start of its operations, WB Ukraine has provided servicing, repairs, and spare-parts deliveries. For several months now, the company has also been manufacturing and supplying complete unmanned systems. It closely cooperates with other WB GROUP entities on matters related to system operation, knowledge sharing, and the development of unmanned technologies.
FlyEye is an electric-powered motor glider with a pusher propeller. The system is characterised by a very low logistical footprint — it can be carried in just two backpacks. It does not require any specialised equipment for launch or recovery, such as catapults or nets. It is hand-launched almost vertically and lands automatically in a confined area, providing additional protection for the mission module.
The aircraft offers simple, intuitive operation, high battlefield survivability, and long endurance. Battery power is used only for take-off and altitude adjustments. For the remainder of the mission, the airframe glides with the motor switched off and the propeller stationary, making it harder to detect by radar.
FlyEye is equipped with an interchangeable mission module, allowing users to select the payload appropriate for the task. The module may include a combined day/thermal-imaging turret, a thermal-only payload, an observation head with retransmission kit, or other specialised equipment.
For security reasons — and due to intensified attacks on Ukraine’s defence-industry infrastructure — information on the start of production had not been published until now. The facilities were recently visited by Piotr Łukasiewicz, who emphasised the importance of Polish–Ukrainian defence-industrial cooperation for regional security.
FlyEye has long been a key component of the Polish Armed Forces’ unmanned reconnaissance capabilities. The first user was the Special Forces, which continue to operate the system. FlyEye is exported to military customers in Europe and Asia and is one of the most widely produced UAV systems in its class.