Poland bolsters defense industry with missile contracts and innovation funding

At the MSPO 2026 International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, several major agreements were reached to bolster Poland's defense capabilities and technological ecosystem. A significant contract worth approximately 3 billion PLN net was signed between the Armament Agency and MESKO S.A. for the delivery of several thousand Piorun portable anti-aircraft missile systems and launch sets between 2026 and 2030. This deal is part of a larger framework involving Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia.

To drive innovation, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk announced 1 billion PLN in European funds dedicated to five key areas: ballistic capabilities, anti-missile systems, drones, anti-drone solutions, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) is preparing to launch the STEP Defense Technologies program, offering 500 million PLN for critical European security technologies.

Efforts to integrate civilian and military sectors are also expanding. The Polish Development Fund (PFR), the Ministry of National Defence, and other institutions have partnered to accelerate the development of dual-use technologies. Meanwhile, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) signed agreements with GE Aerospace regarding FA-50 aircraft engine maintenance and with Saab to explore cooperation in Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems.