Polish defense developer WB Group has demonstrated its new StormRider 550 maritime drone at the MSPO exhibition in Poland. The modular platform is engineered for patrol, reconnaissance, training, and strike operations across territorial, inland, and port waters.
Measuring 5.5 meters in length and weighing approximately 0.65 tons, the vessel features interchangeable low- and high-profile hull configurations. This allows operators to adapt the silhouette and sensor package to specific missions. The high-profile version is equipped with a mast featuring a broad range of sensors, including a radar, sonar, and electro-optical system, supporting extended patrols and reconnaissance. The low-profile version reduces the vessel’s silhouette, making it suitable for strike missions. In its civilian configuration, the maritime drone can be used to map seabeds, search for underwater objects including explosive hazards, and inspect underwater infrastructure, Militarnyi reports.
Propulsion is supplied by an outboard motor that enables a maximum speed of about 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h), while its patrol speed ranges from 4 to 6 knots (7-11 km/h), delivering autonomous operation for up to 24 hours. With this development, the company is expanding its StormRider family of uncrewed boats. Last August, “WB Group” presented the StormRider 850, which can be equipped with a ZMU-05N remotely operated weapon station or a WARMATE TL launcher for deploying loitering munitions. In July, the StormRider 850 also participated in joint exercises with the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate Gen. T. Kościuszko in the Baltic Sea.
