On Friday, September 6, 2024, during the final day of the International Defense Industry Fair (MSPO) in Kielce, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the signing of new contracts worth close to two billion zlotys. These agreements include partnerships with Polish manufacturers such as Rosomak and Jelcz, as well as foreign partners from the United States, Spain, and WB Electronics. These new contracts are crucial for the modernisation and transformation of the Polish army.
Investments in Military Equipment and Security
During his speech, Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the importance for the government and Ministry of National Defense in supporting and promoting both private and state-owned military equipment manufacturers. Thanks to the agreements made during the MSPO, Poland will gain, among others, systems for detecting chemical and radioactive contamination that will be installed in Rosomak armored personnel carriers.
“Without logistics, without well-organized transportation, there is no well-functioning army,” the deputy prime minister said, announcing the purchase of high-capacity cranes which will be crucial for the logistic support of Polish armed forces.
Key contracts
The largest contract signed during this year’s fair was with a Spanish partner. The agreement worth over a billion zlotys involves the delivery of radar systems for Polish military airports, which are essential for the safety and defense of the country. Additionally, Poland signed further agreements for the supply of the latest version of the unmanned aircraft FlyEye from WB Electronics.
Under the modernisation programs WISŁA and NAREW, investments in radar systems, which are an important element of Poland’s air defense, are also being continued.
Defender Awards Gala
An important event of the last day of the MSPO was the formal gala of the Defender Awards. This award is given to products outstanding in innovation, original technical thought, and operational benefits. Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz together with Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda presented a special Minister of National Defense award to the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation for the ILR-33 Bursztyn 2K missile.
Polish Armaments Group and Public-Private Cooperation
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed the importance of cooperation between the Polish Armaments Group and private companies. He announced that Poland will develop production capabilities in the field of 155mm ammunition, which is key to strengthening the country’s defense. “In Poland, not one, but more, three 155mm ammunition factories must be established,” emphasized the deputy prime minister.
25th Anniversary of Poland’s NATO Membership
During this year’s MSPO edition, the exhibition commemorating Poland’s 25-year membership in NATO was especially highlighted. The exhibition “25 years of Poland in NATO – 25 years of security” emphasized the significance of the alliance for national and international security, and the progress Poland has made in modernizing its armed forces.
International Defense Industry Fair – Growing Importance
This year’s MSPO edition, which gathered over 800 exhibitors from around the world, proved to be a record-setting event. The fair, the second-largest of its kind in Europe, attracted 65 international delegations, including defense ministers and deputy ministers, who met with Polish partners to discuss cooperation opportunities.
At the fair, the latest military technologies and innovative solutions aimed at strengthening the security of Poland and its allies were presented. Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda highlighted the importance of the fair for the technical modernization of the Polish army, emphasizing that at least 50% of the funds spent on defense remain in Polish armaments plants.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/wladyslaw-kosiniak-kamysz-oglosil-nowe-kontrakty-zbrojeniowe-na-mspo-55491
