In order to build an effective defense system, all its areas must be thoroughly developed – ground troops, air force, navy, special forces and the cyber domain.
The war in Ukraine has focused the attention of all countries responsible for the security of their citizens on the subject of defense. Increasing defense spending, followed by, as in the case of Poland, dynamic and deep modernization of the armed forces, is a response to the threats posed by today's geopolitical reality. This is why initiatives such as the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) are so important. The event gives us a unique opportunity to see, in one place and at one time, all the technical and technological elements necessary to create a coherent and effective security system – both at a local and global scale.
Numbers Speak for Themselves
Last year's jubilee exhibition in Kielce was a great success, not only for the domestic defense sector, presenting, among other things, the equipment that has performed so excellently in Ukraine, but also for Poland itself. We proved that we are competitive and innovative – that we not only have a vision, but we are able to implement it efficiently, also within the defense industry.
Today that vision is a 300,000-strong army, well-trained and armed with advanced equipment – this is what responsibility for the country and its people is all about. With the Homeland Defense Act, we reformed the system of recruitment and financing. We already have more than 176,000 soldiers and this number is steadily growing. Simultaneously, we are intensively supplying the armed forces with state-of-the-art equipment. In 2022, we spent a total of 27 billion zlotys on technical modernization. According to the plans, in 2023 the spending will reach almost 100 billion. Most importantly, we want to maintain this trend in the years to come, because we cannot economize on our security.
Owing to the presence of over 700 companies from 36 countries, this year's exhibition is bound to become another record-breaker. MSPO is a platform that helps visitors to get acquainted with state-of-the-art solutions and designs from various countries – including South Korea, which is this year's framework country, and the USA. It should be emphasized that the equipment acquired from these two states forms the basis of the ongoing, unprecedented modernization process of the Polish Armed Forces.
We are procuring or have already procured new tanks, armored personnel carriers, missile systems, artillery systems, attack and multi-role helicopters, combat aircraft, warships and specialized equipment. We are systematically developing our air and missile defense capabilities. We are doing all this in parallel with providing military assistance to Ukraine. While strengthening Ukraine's combat potential to repel the Russian aggression, we are not losing our own defense capabilities, which are constantly growing.
Strategic Relations
The lessons learned from the war in Ukraine have shown that in order to build a complete and effective defense system, all its areas must be developed in a harmonious way – starting with ground troops, through air force, navy, special forces, to the cyber domain. It is extremely gratifying to see that this year's MSPO addresses all these expectations and needs. It is particularly important from the perspective of countries like Poland, which are interested in a wide range of modern equipment, which has to meet the highest standards, but also reach our army quickly and in adequate numbers.
MSPO is also an excellent opportunity to comprehensively present to representatives of foreign defense industries and armed forces the plans and achievements of the Polish defense industry, whose products are so much appreciated in Ukraine. It is also a great opportunity to establish business contacts and build strategic industrial relations.
At the same time, events such as MSPO popularize the subject of defense and security, which in turn fosters public awareness and a sense of shared responsibility for global security – and this is what we, especially in NATO, desperately need right now.
autor zdjęć: Michał Niwicz
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