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The ceremony inaugurating the 2026/2027 academic year for uniformed classes was among the opening highlights of the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition. Young cadets kicked off the new school year in a unique setting, surrounded by soldiers, representatives of the Polish Armed Forces, and state-of-the-art equipment and technologies on display at MSPO. The ceremony featured full military honours. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, representatives of the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of National Education, commanders, officers, and soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, and above all, students and teachers from military preparation classes.

Young Cadets as the Future of the Polish Armed Forces

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz addressed the cadets directly, emphasizing that even the most advanced weaponry and the expansion of the Polish military cannot replace well-prepared personnel who will serve in the Polish Armed Forces in the future.

"The equipment we supply to the military today, the army we are building, the expenditure we incur would mean nothing without the future. The future rests in you. We are counting on you immensely, and Poland is counting on you immensely," said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. "You are the best of the best, raised in patriotism, in love for your homeland, but also in preparation to serve it. The goal is for this service to bring you satisfaction as well. That is my daily wish for you."

The Minister also expressed his gratitude to teachers, guardians, military units supporting the schools, and the cadets' parents. He highlighted the role of military preparation classes in building the future officer corps and personnel of the Polish Armed Forces.

Drones as a Key Priority for the New School Year

One of the strongest accents of the Deputy Prime Minister's address was the expansion of training in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As he noted, lessons from modern conflicts demonstrate that drone-operation skills are becoming a cornerstone of military readiness.

"The strategy for the 2026/2027 academic year will focus on drone preparation, mastering drone operation, and acquiring skills. (...) Instruction in operating and mastering drones should soon be part of every military training class. This will prove fundamentally necessary at a moment of utmost threat," emphasized Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The Defence Minister cited experiences from the war in Ukraine, where—as he pointed out—having an adequate number of trained operators is just as vital as the availability of the drones themselves.

Fourteen Cadets Honoured

A special moment of the ceremony was the commendation of 14 uniformed class cadets. Recognition went to students who demonstrated exceptional academic and athletic achievements, as well as dedication to promoting patriotic attitudes among youth. The Deputy Prime Minister congratulated both the awardees and all young people who chose to study in uniformed classes and prepare for future service. The ceremony culminated in a exhibition drill performance by the cadets, showcasing their skill, discipline, and preparation.

From Future Soldiers to Cutting-Edge Technologies

The inauguration of the academic year for uniformed classes aligns smoothly with the overarching character of the International Defence Industry Exhibition. MSPO bridges the presentation of cutting-edge technologies with discussions on the future of security and meetings between representatives of public administration, the armed forces, and industry.

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition is taking place from 8 to 11 September 2026 at Targi Kielce. This year's edition brings together over 1,200 exhibitors from 40 countries, with Canada serving as the Lead Partner Nation for MSPO 2026.

(ŁK)