Poland's WB Group Plans $100 Million Investment in India for Unmanned Systems Production

Polish private defense company WB Group has announced plans to invest $100 million over the next three to five years to establish manufacturing bases and research and development facilities in India. The investment will be channeled through the company's Indian joint venture, WB Electronics India Pvt Ltd.

Adam Bartosiewicz, Vice-President of WB Group, shared the expansion details during an exclusive interview. Bartosiewicz was in Delhi as part of the business delegation accompanying Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on his official visit to India from October 21 to October 23.

The company is currently scouting for a suitable location within the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor to set up its operations. Through this venture, WB Group aims to offer its various classes of battle-proven unmanned systems to the Indian armed forces.

Highlighting the operational background of their technology, Bartosiewicz noted that the group's drones form a core part of the unmanned platforms deployed by Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. According to the company, its systems have been utilized in the conflict since 2014, with operational flight hours exceeding one million.

"Our main goal is to somehow establish India as a drone champion, as we are in our part of Europe, based on the extensive experience that we have in applying our products in the Ukraine-Russia conflict," Bartosiewicz said. He added that the operational feedback gathered from front lines has helped the firm refine its product development.

Addressing market competition and the rising capabilities of domestic manufacturers focusing on battlefield economics, Bartosiewicz stated that the company's strategy relies on technological superiority rather than low pricing. He explained that the firm focuses on designing aircraft first, utilizing high-quality components and extensive engineering derived from active war zones, which contributes to higher product costs.

Once the manufacturing facilities and associated supply chains are established in India, WB Group has also indicated potential plans to export products manufactured locally to international markets.

"The planned $100 million investment by WB Group into India's defense sector highlights the growing strategic importance of localized manufacturing and technology transfer. For the Indian defense ecosystem, partnering with international firms that possess extensive operational experience offers a clear pathway to scaling domestic R&D and manufacturing capabilities. As foreign enterprises establish joint ventures here, local supply chains and defense startups will find significant opportunities to integrate into advanced global defense networks." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes