Kosiniak-Kamysz made the announcement during the European Economic Congress's inauguration in the Polish southern city of Katowice on Tuesday. At a press conference, he said that the current government, upon taking office, allocated approximately PLN 18 billion (EUR 4.18 bn) for investments in the Polish arms industry. He also revealed plans by the country’s Armaments Agency to finalize 150 contracts for equipment procurement.
"This is the highest bar set. Our predecessors did not want to set it for themselves, we set it for ourselves", Kosiniak Kamysz told reporters.
According to the minister, Poland's munitions production capacity is currently at a "very meager level". "I would like us to be self-sufficient in ammunition production," he said, adding that rebuilding ammunition production capacity is the main goal of the Polish Armaments Group.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also echoed calls by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for strengthening Europe's defense, including the appointment of an EU commissioner for defense, reallocation of unused funds from the National Reconstruction Plan to defense, and the creation of an EUR 100 billion pool for the defense industry.
"More action, fewer words. Today we have a chance to see more of these actions. Very good declarations from the head of the Commission regarding security, building Europe as a center of security and development. Very important words from the Prime Minister on air defense, anti-missile air defense, building a real dome over Europe, this should unite us, this must be an EU initiative," Kosiniak-Kamysz told the press.
(jh)
Source: PAP