Poland’s Armament Agency signed defense contracts worth nearly 120 billion zlotys in May to bolster domestic military manufacturing, UA.News reported.
The state-owned Polish Armaments Group and its subsidiaries, including Huta Stalowa Wola, received most of the orders.
These contracts mandate the supply of 146 Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, 96 Krab self-propelled howitzers, 64 Rak mortars, K9PL support vehicles, and thousands of platforms for Homar-K missile systems. Most of the deals with the state group were concluded without competitive procedures, according to the Warsaw Enterprise Institute.
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the government seeks to develop the national military-industrial complex. Meanwhile, POLITICO said that a study by the Warsaw Enterprise Institute cautioned that expanding Poland’s defense sector should not automatically grant special privileges to state-managed firms.
Poland Spends Record Defense Budget to Deter Russia
This year, Poland plans to spend 200 billion zlotys, or 4.8% of GDP, on defense, which is the highest figure among NATO countries. The country has also become the largest recipient of SAFE loans for armaments from the European Union’s total 150 billion euro fund, expecting to receive nearly 44 billion euros, UA.News reported.
Favoring domestic companies risks clashing with the government’s drive to rearm as quickly as possible. Warsaw wants to buy tanks, jets, and missiles to deter Russia, though that goal creates hurdles for its domestic arms industry.
About 60 percent of Poland’s defense spending goes on imports, “and that won’t change quickly,” said Marek Świerczyński, an analyst at Polityka Insight. Foreign military acquisitions are heavily centered around South Korea and the United States, featuring hardware such as F-35A fighter jets and K2 Black Panther tanks.
3 lata zmian i wzmacniania naszej 🇵🇱 obronności. Budujemy silną armię, wzmacniamy bezpieczeństwo i inwestujemy w przyszłość Polski. ✅Rekordowy budżet: na obronność w 2026 r. przeznaczymy ok. 201 mld zł tj. 4,8% PKB. Jesteśmy w gronie liderów państw NATO; ✅ Realizujemy Program… pic.twitter.com/yOYg8BT3vP
Shifting Toward Domestic Production
“In 2022, we were looking for ready-made solutions and products because we felt threatened,” said Adam Leszkiewicz, CEO of the Polish Armaments Group. “Today, we are trying to take every opportunity to Polonize production. We are now hardly buying ready-made products, except where we really lack a particular capability.”
Poland increased its defense spending after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Polish Armaments Group comprises around 50 enterprises that joined the holding in 2013.
Leszkiewicz, who took the position in May 2025, became the company’s 12th head since its founding. In 2025, the group received 18.4 billion zlotys in revenue and 2.8 billion zlotys in profit, marking increases of 23 percent and 66 percent, respectively, from the previous year, UA.News reported.
The state-run conglomerate is partnering with Britain’s BAE Systems to establish three artillery ammunition facilities alongside collaboration with MBDA on the Narew air defense program. “I do see an effort to increase Polish intellectual property,” said Kozioł, a defense analyst, noting that it remains uncertain whether transitioning orders to local contractors will diminish dependence on foreign capabilities.
Common Questions on Polish Defense Contracts
What military equipment is included in the May defense contracts?
The orders entail the provision of 146 Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, 96 Krab self-propelled howitzers, 64 Rak mortars, K9PL support vehicles, and numerous transport vehicles tailored for Homar-K missile platforms.
How much is Poland spending on defense?
Poland plans to spend 200 billion zlotys, representing 4.8% of its GDP, on defense this year, which is the highest figure among NATO countries.
When will domestic production of K2 tanks begin?
One of the Polish Armaments Group’s subsidiaries is expected to begin producing K2 tanks in 2028.
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