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– We have hundreds of companies here today. The great success of this event, which has attracted attention around the world, is also the result of billions of euros, billions of dollars and billions of zlotys flowing into Poland and into Polish companies, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This year’s MSPO brought together 1,209 companies from 43 countries. The record-breaking exhibition occupied more than 49,000 square metres across 11 exhibition halls and the outdoor grounds of Targi Kielce. The event attracted 45,000 visitors from more than 60 countries.

MSPO Showcases the Capabilities of Polish Companies

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of the European SAFE mechanism. Funding allocated to strengthen defence capabilities is flowing to Polish companies, supporting investment, increasing production and developing domestic technologies. Poland was also among the countries advocating for dual-use products to be eligible for financing under SAFE. Such solutions can serve the economy and society in peacetime, while in the event of a threat they can support defence, logistics, communications and the protection of critical infrastructure.

According to the Prime Minister, this model makes it possible to combine investment in security with the country’s long-term economic and technological development.

– Kielce is not just an example of how wisely and intensively we are strengthening our defence capabilities. It is also proof of the tremendous economic success of Polish companies, Polish talent, Polish managers and Polish inventors, the Prime Minister stressed.

The head of government noted that the systems presented at MSPO are the result of cooperation between the armed forces, companies, engineers, scientists and managers. Defence spending is not limited to purchasing equipment; it is becoming a driver of growth for the wider economy.

“The Progress Is Tremendous”

Prime Minister Donald Tusk thanked all the people and institutions involved in organising the International Defence Industry Exhibition. Addressing Dr Andrzej Mochoń, President of Targi Kielce, he highlighted the scale of the changes that have taken place at the venue over the past year.

– We were both able to see today just how different everything around us is from what it was a year ago. The progress is tremendous, said Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

As he noted, thousands of people from around the world had travelled to Kielce to see the results of Poland’s efforts to build a modern security system. The international attendance and interest in the exhibition confirm the growing standing of MSPO and the Polish defence industry. The Prime Minister thanked the organisers, exhibitors and everyone involved in making the event happen.

– It has been a tremendous amount of work. Thanks to you, Poland will be safer and more prosperous, and we will be able to look to the future generations with confidence, said Donald Tusk.

Prime Minister Views the “Niedźwiedź” Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle

During his visit, Donald Tusk toured the exhibition presented by PGZ. He viewed the full-scale demonstrator of the Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle on display at MSPO and officially announced its name – “Niedźwiedź” (“Bear”).

The vehicle was developed by Huta Stalowa Wola, a company belonging to Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa. The Prime Minister compared the pace of the project with the development of the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle. The Borsuk took seven years to develop, while the demonstrator of the new heavy vehicle was completed within 12 months. According to the Prime Minister, this is one example of the clear acceleration taking place in Poland’s defence industry.

Agreements with MESKO and ICEYE

Two important cooperation agreements were concluded in the presence of the head of government. The Armament Agency and MESKO signed the first executive agreement under a framework agreement worth more than PLN 8 billion. The contract covers the delivery of Piorun man-portable air-defence missile systems.

Donald Tusk highlighted the importance of the European SAFE mechanism. Defence funding is intended to support the expansion of domestic production capacity, accelerate order fulfilment and develop the capabilities of Polish defence manufacturers.

Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, meanwhile, signed a letter of intent with ICEYE concerning cooperation on the development of Poland’s MILSATCOM military satellite communications system.

By the end of 2026, the Polish military is expected to have nine satellites capable of rapidly imaging different areas of the world. A further ambition is to establish a sovereign satellite communications system, described as a “Polish Starlink”.

Remembering the Victims of the World Trade Center Attacks

The Prime Minister’s visit to MSPO coincided with the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks on the World Trade Center and other targets in the United States, including six Polish citizens.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalled that the attacks led to the first-ever invocation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. An attack on one NATO member was treated as an attack on the entire Alliance.

– Poland demonstrated not only in those tragic hours, but also throughout the long months and years that followed, that it is an exceptionally stable and loyal ally, ready to make sacrifices when necessary, the Prime Minister stressed.

The head of government also recalled the 43 Polish soldiers who lost their lives in operations aimed at combating global terrorism. As he stressed, Poland takes its international commitments seriously and expects the same level of responsibility from its allies.

/MŚ/