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The head of the Ministry of National Defence drew attention to the scale of the event’s growth and its increasingly prominent position in the global defence sector. The 34th edition of MSPO brought together 1,209 companies from 43 countries, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. As the Deputy Prime Minister noted, international partners are now coming to Poland not only to offer ready-made solutions. Increasingly, they are looking for opportunities to establish joint ventures, undertake joint investments, develop production and create new jobs. In the Minister’s view, this cooperation strengthens the Polish economy, the domestic defence industry and the security systems of allied countries.

Canada – Leading Country at MSPO 2026

Canada, this year’s Leading Country at MSPO, featured prominently in the address. The Deputy Prime Minister recalled talks held during the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa, where Canada’s participation in this role at MSPO 2026 was agreed. “At the time, we did not realise what a wave of interest this decision would generate among Canadian companies,” he said.

Around 200 Canadian companies, institutions and organisations are taking part in the exhibition in Kielce. Alongside Canada, companies from the United States, Australia, EU countries and other parts of the world are showcasing their solutions.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also stressed the strong presence of Polish companies at MSPO. He highlighted Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, WB Group and numerous private companies whose technologies address the needs of the Polish Armed Forces and allied militaries. “Polish companies are meeting the expectations of the Polish Armed Forces, as well as those of our NATO and European Union partners,” said the head of the Ministry of National Defence.

The Strength of Industry, the Armed Forces and Alliances

The head of the Ministry of National Defence stressed that the significance of MSPO extends far beyond the presentation of the latest designs and technologies. Agreements signed in Kielce, meetings between government, military and business representatives, and the development of industrial cooperation all contribute to building real defence capabilities.

An important element of the first day of the event was also the launch of the new school year for uniformed classes and military preparation units. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the young people, Polish Armed Forces personnel, exhibitors and everyone involved in organising the largest edition of the exhibition in its history.

“Freedom, democracy and our civilisation need the strength to defend them: the strength of the armed forces, industry, alliances and society as a whole. MSPO helps to build each of these,” stressed Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka: International Partners Are Now Coming to Poland with Cooperation Proposals

Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, stressed during MSPO 2026 that Poland is becoming not only one of Europe’s largest arms buyers, but also an increasingly important manufacturer and partner for global defence companies. “We have never before seen an exhibition of defence equipment and technology on this scale in Kielce. More than 500 exhibitors from Poland alone, alongside delegations from around the world, as well as ministers and deputy ministers. This demonstrates our position on the map of the European defence industry,” said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.

One of the key premieres at MSPO and a symbol of the development of Poland’s domestic capabilities is the Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle demonstrator, presented by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and Huta Stalowa Wola.

Record-Breaking Scale of MSPO 2026

This year’s International Defence Industry Exhibition is the largest in the event’s history. The exhibition features 1,209 companies from 43 countries, while representatives of 60 official foreign delegations and thousands of visitors from around the world have travelled to Kielce. The exhibition covers a record 49,122 sq m, across 11 halls and the outdoor exhibition grounds at Targi Kielce. MSPO 2026 is also the first event to be held in the new hall, with a total floor area of 18,500 sq m. The scale of the exhibition, the number of international guests and the agreements being concluded in Kielce further confirm MSPO’s position as one of the world’s key meeting places for the defence industry.

/MŚ/