Last week, the Ministry of National Defense (MON) concluded over 60 contracts with a total value of nearly PLN 120 billion. These orders were finalized thanks to the EU derogation valid until May 30 this year. The next stage of the plan submitted to the European Commission will cover only orders from the Ministry of Defense, which results from President Karol Nawrocki's veto in March.
Subsequent contracts will have to meet the condition of participation of at least two Member States. This construction, as the daily draws attention to, gives the domestic arms industry a real chance to enter foreign markets with its products. Joint purchasing therefore becomes a tool for opening export channels.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and circulating munitions for foreign countries
According to “Rzeczpospolita” information WB group is to deliver unmanned aerial vehicles and circulating ammunition to recipients in Romania and Canada. Norway is considering purchasing the San anti-drone system. This solution is being developed by Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) and APS in cooperation with the Norwegian Kongsberg.
The Swedish side plans to order the Ratownik ship, which would be built at the PGZ Military Shipyard. Greece is interested in IcEye satellites and has also requested Jelcz trucks. In the latter case, however, production capacity constraints remain an obstacle.
- Read also: This is how the government circumvents Karol Nawrocki's veto. The Minister of Defense announces
Thunderbolts from Meska with a performance barrier
A similar problem affects the Piorun anti-aircraft systems manufactured at the Mesko plant. Even though foreign demand is high, export opportunities remain limited by production limits. The manufacturer cannot serve all interested customers at the same time.
The most difficult thing, as the newspaper notes, is to obtain orders from abroad for heavy equipment. Huta Stalowa Wola has reserved the production capacity of the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle for domestic orders until 2030. Baobab scattered mine systems are a possible option, provided that a chassis not offered by Jelcz is used.
- Read also: What about “SAFE 0 percent”? The president swallowed water
Joint purchases with Spain and Airbus
The SAFE mechanism also works the other way round – Poland will be able to join orders placed by other countries. “Rzeczpospolita” points here to MRTT tanker planes manufactured by Airbus and combat training helicopters, which are to be purchased together with Spain.
