Defense industry demand rises amid Polish export shifts

The global defense sector is experiencing significant growth, with SIPRI reporting a 9.4% increase in worldwide military spending to $2.718 trillion in 2024. In the European Union, defense expenditures rose by 19% year-on-year to €343 billion. This surge is driving demand for advanced industrial technologies, such as metal heat treatment, vacuum metallurgy, and aluminum brazing, to ensure the reliability of military components for aerospace, special vehicles, and turbines.

In Poland, arms exports reached approximately €2.5 billion in 2026, a decrease from €3.1 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the figure remains five times higher than 2021 levels. Ukraine remains the primary customer, accounting for roughly 68% of total foreign sales with purchases totaling €1.7 billion, including tanks, armored vehicles, and drones. Other notable buyers include the Philippines (€246 million), the United States (€178 million), and Germany (€66 million).

Industry analysts note that while demand remains high, Polish manufacturers are facing production bottlenecks. Private companies are currently outpacing the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), which accounted for €435 million in exports. Companies are now looking to expand production capacities and modernize facilities to meet the growing international interest in defense systems.