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Polish deputy defense minister urges boost for domestic arms in Ukraine

04.02.2025 08:00
Poland must actively promote its defense industry and leverage Ukrainian wartime experience, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said on Monday in Kyiv as a delegation of state arms companies visited the capital.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk.PAP/Vladyslav Musiienko

Speaking at a press conference at the Polish embassy, Tomczyk emphasized the need to connect Polish defense firms with Ukrainian counterparts.

"We must build our interests here and do everything possible to link our arms companies with their Ukrainian equivalents," he said.

The visit marked the first economic mission involving Polish state-owned arms companies in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"We are here to foster cooperation, present strong offers, and benefit from Ukraine’s significant wartime expertise," Tomczyk added.

Representatives from leading Polish armaments firms—including Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, Mesko, Huta Stalowa Wola and Maskpol—attended the mission.

These companies produce flagship products such as the renowned Krab self-propelled howitzer, underscoring Poland’s robust defense manufacturing capabilities.

Tomczyk recalled Poland’s early military aid to Ukraine and said that economic engagement should now complement political and military support.

"After more than a thousand days of war without our companies represented here, this gap must be addressed," he said.

He also noted that Poland will have its largest-ever defense budget this year, with PLN 185 billion (USD 45 bn) allocated, and that the modernization of armed forces will continue globally.

“The process of modernizing an army never stops; every country will do everything to maintain the strongest military with the best equipment,” he concluded.

(jh)

Source: PAP