Mateusz Morawiecki made the statement at the annual International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce (southeastern Poland) on Thursday, state news agency PAP reported.
The PM told a news conference: “We are building a strong army so that hopefully it never has to fight, because in peacetime the army’s main aim is deterrence.”
Morawiecki added that support is provided “only to those who can defend themselves.”
‘The best weapons’
“And so today we are preparing the best, most advanced weaponry for our army,” he told reporters.
“The best weaponry is one that is effective, advanced and - if possible - Polish-made,” Morawiecki stated, noting that where necessary, Poland is also buying arms from such countries as "the US, the UK, South Korea and France."
He added that thanks to cooperation with Washington and Seoul, the Polish army would be equipped “to strike the opponent much more effectively.”
Earlier this year, Poland signed contracts for the purchase of Abrams tanks from the US, as well as tanks, self-propelled howitzers and training-and-attack aircraft from South Korea, the PAP news agency reported.
Helping Ukraine
“The time of calm, peace and security in Europe ended on February 24 this year, with Russia’s cruel assault on Ukraine,” the Polish PM stressed.
He added: “Today, together with our allies, we are helping our Ukrainian neighbours survive and protect their sovereignty.”
Morawiecki also noted that Polish weapons, such as the Krab (Crab) self-propelled gun howitzers, the Piorun (Thunderbolt) man-portable air defence systems and rifles, “are helping defend Ukraine’s sovereignty today.”
Thursday is day 197 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Source: PAP, dziennik.pl