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International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2026 features Canada as the expo’s Lead Nation

13 November 2025
The Ministry of National Defence has officially confirmed that Canada will be the Lead Nation at the Targi Kielce’s International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2026. The decision had been preceded by several months of talks regarding the organisation of the Canadian Lead Nation Exhibition

The first arrangements in this matter were made in August, during the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Warsaw, when details of future cooperation and Canada's participation in the Kielce Expo were discussed. This choice confirms the strengthening of strategic relations between Poland and Canada, especially in the areas of security, defence technologies and industrial innovation.

– Canada is a key NATO ally, and its presence as a leading country will further emphasise the global dimension of our event. MSPO is where industry meets defence policy, resulting in concrete decisions and contracts. – emphasises Doctor Andrzej Mochoń, President of the Management Board of Targi Kielce.

MSPO – a European leader with a long-standing tradition

The Kielce International Defence Industry Exhibition has long been one of the three most significant events in the European arms industry. Over 800 exhibitors from 35 countries attended the recent expo. The number of guests reached almost 40,000, including representatives of the army, administration and defence industry from around the world.

In 2026, MSPO will use all the expo halls at Targi Kielce for display, including a completely new exhibition hall measuring 15,500 m² and 15 meters high, which will be completed next summer. The grand opening of the facility is scheduled for MSPO 2026—the new expo pavilion is the largest facility of its kind currently under construction in the Polish exhibition industry. The new facility will significantly expand exhibition space and enable the showcase of even more modern technologies – from cybersecurity to unmanned systems.

 Canada – a partner of global importance

Canada, MSPO Lead nation will showcase the achievements of its defence and security industry, including solutions in satellite technology, soldier equipment, simulation, training and critical infrastructure protection. Detailed arrangements are being made.  The joint presence of Poland and Canada at MSPO 2026 is intended to strengthen industrial and scientific cooperation and promote innovation in the spirit of transatlantic partnership.

Lead-Nation Exhibitions – the MSPO tradition

The tradition of Lead Nation Exhibitions in Kielce dates back to 2004. Until now, a whole array of countries have showcased their potential and defence technologies, including  Germany, Israel, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Great Britain, the Visegrad Group V4 and the European Defence Agency (EDA).  France, the USA, Türkiye and South Korea were the Lead Nations twice, and Poland acted in this capacity three times. Ukraine was a special guest at MSPO 2024.

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