Poland’s WB Group Unveils STORMRIDER Unmanned Surface Vessel

During the traditional pre-MSPO (International Defence Industry Exhibition) meeting with defence media, WB Group executives presented new additions to the wide range of products and comprehensive solutions offered to the Armed Forces. One of the most interesting presentations was dedicated to an entirely new development: the STORMRIDER unmanned surface vessel, being developed by Radmor, a WB Group subsidiary.

The STORMRIDER is equipped with an independent high-resolution day/night observation turret, a navigation radar, an echo sounder, and a sonar

The concept behind the development of the STORMRIDER was inspired by Ukraine’s experience in operations against the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The Polish uncrewed surface vessel was designed to carry out a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, engaging enemy personnel, and surface targets. Representatives of WB Group emphasize that the STORMRIDER can be used for tasks such as target identification, reconnaissance, battle damage assessment, information support operations, operational support, precision strikes, critical infrastructure protection, and area surveillance.

The reconnaissance equipment of the uncrewed vessel includes an independent high-resolution observation turret that operates in both daylight and at night, a navigation radar, an echo sounder, and a sonar.

The STORMRIDER is equipped with several types of weapons. One of them is the ZMU-05N remote-controlled weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun, supplied by the Gdańsk-based company Arex. The module is equipped with a laser rangefinder and a camera that operates in both visible and infrared spectra. The uncrewed vessel is also equipped with tube launchers for WARMATE loitering munitions in TL-R and TL-C versions. In addition, small X-FRONTER reconnaissance drones, in both V and H variants, are also part of the STORMRIDER’s equipment.

The STORMRIDER is perfectly suited for patrol missions and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure

The STORMRIDER can cooperate with reconnaissance ships and enhance the safety of their operations during reconnaissance missions. It also provides the capability to assess the effectiveness of strikes against enemy vessels and facilities after an attack. When equipped with an appropriate mission module, STORMRIDER units can conduct elements of electronic warfare. As part of creating an environmental situational picture, they can also collect environmental, oceanographic, and hydrographic data, as well as monitor threats of chemical, biological, or radioactive contamination.

One type of mission the STORMRIDER can perform involves base security and so-called Force Protection tasks. The STORMRIDER can establish protective zones around ships, facilities, or maritime areas such as anchorages, shipping lanes, coastal points, and regions. It can be rapidly launched using shore-based transport such as trailers or containerized command posts, as well as from the decks of logistic ships or vessels of frigate class and above. It also enables the creation of a multi-layered protection system in response to growing threats from fast surface craft. The STORMRIDER enables immediate action against intruders or potentially hostile objects, utilizing onboard systems that range from warning signals to non-lethal measures, and ultimately to the engagement and destruction of hostile targets. By employing WARMATE TL loitering munition systems, STORMRIDER units gain the ability to strike at long ranges and provide air support. They can address potential threats while other forces are being deployed, actively track detected targets, conduct pursuit operations, and enhance the safety of crews and military personnel.

The uncrewed vessel can also carry out patrol and monitoring missions, including the surveillance of critical maritime infrastructure. Its performance enables long-endurance patrolling of designated areas. The STORMRIDER provides the capability to transition from threat monitoring to active threat engagement immediately. It helps reduce operational costs, offering rapid availability, particularly in areas where force deployment is difficult, impossible, or too time-consuming. It enables the collection of environmental data useful for operational planning. In terms of data transfer, relay, communications, and power supply, it can cooperate with crewed units (such as ships) as well as other uncrewed systems. It also provides the ability to quickly reinforce forces in the event of escalating threats or their emergence in multiple locations simultaneously.

The STORMRIDER unmanned surface vessel can also support the operations of special forces operators / Photos: WB Group

The STORMRIDER can also provide support for the operations of naval special forces units. It offers the capability to conduct reconnaissance in support of such missions. It can deliver fire support to friendly forces engaged with the enemy. With platform adaptation and the integration of an appropriate module, it can also be used for medical evacuation. Additionally, the STORMRIDER can be employed for logistical support, transporting equipment, supplies, and other resources into the combat area. It can also assist in conducting operations in specific sub-sea areas such as the Vistula Lagoon or rivers.

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Poland’s WB Group Unveils Unmanned Surface Vessel Demonstrator