In a bid to strengthen national security and boost local industry, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that the country aims to have 50 percent of its military equipment purchased from within Poland.
Speaking at a press conference in Katowice, the minister revealed that approximately 18 billion zlotys (€4.17 billion) has been allocated for investments in the Polish defense industry.
Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Polish manufacturers or those located on Polish territory.
“This is a very high bar we have set for ourselves. Our predecessors did not want to set this challenge,” he remarked, highlighting the strategic shift in defense procurement.
He noted that while Poland will not produce F-35 fighter jets, it can focus on producing the best and most readily available ammunition, which is currently in demand by Ukraine.
The minister also provided updates on significant projects such as the “Borsuk” infantry fighting vehicle, which is nearing the end of its testing phase, and ongoing negotiations with Huta Stalowa Wola for the procurement of “Krab” howitzers.
He stressed the importance of rebuilding the Polish weapons industry, admitting that the current capabilities for ammunition production are “very poor.”
“I would like us to be self-sufficient in ammunition production,” he stated.
