Poland readies for record-breaking defense

Poland aims to spend a record-breaking 200 billion zloty ($53.8 billion) on its military in 2026, according to the defense ministry. This year’s MSPO defense show in Kielce, set for Sept. 8 to 11, is shaping up as the largest in history with around 1,000 exhibitors from across the world.

The entire exhibition space has been sold out to foreign and domestic companies, prompting organizers to open a new hall to accommodate demand. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has triggered a significant increase in Polish defense spending, with the budget forecasted to reach 4.8% of GDP this year.

Over recent years, Poland has procured major U.S. Systems including Abrams tanks, F-35 fighter jets, AH-64E Apache helicopters, Patriot missiles, and M142 HIMARS rocket launchers. At the same time, the government is pursuing a ramp-up of domestic weapons, equipment, and ammunition manufacturing.

Poland has secured up to €43.7 billion ($50.9 billion) in low-interest loans through the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme. The broader €150 billion EU defense fund also offers opportunities for Polish industry to market products via joint acquisitions.

On Aug. 24, Poland, Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia signed a framework deal to purchase Piorun man-portable air defense systems from state-run PGZ, with the contract valued at more than 8 billion zloty. Warsaw is leading the procurement.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz called it the first contract of its type where countries, not companies, form the consortium, saying it demonstrates Poland’s strength and potential as an exporter.

WB Group, a leading Polish private defense firm, is expanding its drone production in response to demand from Ukraine. The company offers systems such as the Warmate loitering munition and the FT5 short-range tactical UAV.

On Aug. 27, WB Group held a press briefing outlining its plans to support Poland’s domestic manufacturing goals. CEO Piotr Wojciechowski said one objective is to ensure products are made almost entirely with Polish and European components, limiting non-European content to only a few percent.

He emphasized that technological sovereignty and European cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Using SAFE loans, the Ministry of National Defence awarded WB Group three contracts in May 2026 for hundreds of Warmate sets, close to 200 FlyEye reconnaissance UAVs, and a dozen battery fire modules of the Gladius system.

WB Group has supplied drones to the Ukrainian military since 2015 and operates a production facility there. The company also exports to countries in Europe and Asia, with plants capable of producing 25 unmanned platforms per day.

Under a recently signed contract, WB Group is developing a Swedish military-compatible version of its Gladius system in partnership with Saab.

Canada is the lead nation at this year’s MSPO show, with 82 companies showcasing military vehicles, aerospace solutions, cybersecurity, opto-electronics, radar, and battlefield technology in the newly built hall.

Organizers said Canada’s presence reflects its effort to strengthen defense ties with European partners. In December 2025, Canada became the first non-EU state to join the SAFE scheme.

In July, Canada selected German shipbuilder TKMS to supply 12 new submarines to its Navy, described as the largest defense procurement in its history. Canadian authorities are also considering purchasing Gripen E/F fighter jets from Saab.

The scope of Canada’s participation at MSPO indicates its intent to find new partners and markets in Central-Eastern Europe.