Polish authorities have initiated a terrorism investigation into a fire that broke out at a drone manufacturing facility in Skarżysko-Kamienna, according to prosecutors. The blaze, which occurred on August 31, 2026, at a WB Electronics factory, is believed to have been started deliberately by planting an explosive device containing flammable materials, prosecutors said in a statement.
CCTV footage reportedly captured an unidentified person in a balaclava who allegedly climbed a fence to enter the premises. A backpack and a sweatshirt were also found near the site, according to reports.
WB Electronics is described as the largest private arms company in Poland, and its reconnaissance and attack drones are used by the Ukrainian armed forces. The investigation focuses on "participation in the activities of a foreign intelligence service against the Republic of Poland and the commission of a terrorist offense," prosecutors said. They added that warehouse facilities were destroyed, with damage valued at least 15 million PLN (approximately €3.5 million).
The local fire service said the fire "was not large" and that firefighters took just under two hours to bring it under control. After the blaze was extinguished, police secured the scene and began a detailed investigation, with a fire investigation expert also working at the site.
Remigiusz Wilk of WB Group told TVN24 that the company has enjoyed the trust of the Polish military and other armies for years. "We are, in a sense, part of Poland's security system as a major entity that cooperates with thousands of enterprises across the country – from very small firms to giants such as the Polish Armaments Group," Wilk said, adding that the facility would be ready to resume production as soon as authorities completed their work. He said he did not expect the incident to cause delays in deliveries to the Polish armed forces.
Police in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship said they were investigating the circumstances of the overnight fire, which occurred around midnight after a security company operator notified emergency services following an alarm. The call concerned a building near a warehouse where electronic components were stored. No one was injured, but the fire destroyed one of the facility's premises. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the district prosecutor's office in Skarżysko-Kamienna.
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesman for the Polish minister-coordinator for special services, wrote on X that Polish intelligence services were collecting information, analyzing it, and investigating the possibility of sabotage. He warned of possible disinformation and said details would not be disclosed at this stage.
The incident marks the second similar fire in 24 hours, as a blaze also occurred at a warehouse in Lublin belonging to a company that produces aircraft parts. Karolina Galecka, a spokeswoman for the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration, said authorities would investigate every possible lead.
The fires come amid reports that Russia has launched a new wave of sabotage operations across Europe, recruiting members of local criminal groups to carry out acts of sabotage at defense-industry facilities in an effort to test NATO's resolve. These reports, citing western intelligence sources, have not been independently confirmed.
Separately, WB Electronics' CEO Piotr Wojciechowski has said the company plans to increase its trade with Ukraine to €500 million by 2030.