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Polish defense minister signs letter of intent for report on defense industry supply chain security

04.09.2024 15:25
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to commission a report on supply chain security in the defense industry.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.PAP/Maciej Kulczyński

The report will be developed by researchers from the Institute of Eastern Studies, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw’s Military University of Technology, and the Kraków University of Technology.

The signing ceremony included the rectors of the three universities involved in the project, along with the founder of the Institute of Eastern Studies Foundation.

“The pandemic highlighted the critical importance of supply chains. Disruptions in the supply of semiconductors and active substances led to global crises, causing price hikes, shortages of medicines, supply difficulties, and the collapse of many companies,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said following the signing.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Kosiniak-Kamysz also stressed the need for the report to map out the risks and vulnerabilities in the supply chains, as well as to identify areas where the system is functioning well. "This is a last-minute effort, and it’s unfortunate that such a report wasn’t prepared earlier, for example, following the pandemic," he remarked.

Kosiniak-Kamysz underscored the importance of European independence in the production of military equipment, with a particular focus on ammunition. “We are paying special attention to 155mm ammunition, which is critically needed. Europe’s current capabilities are insufficient, which at times has hindered our ability to support Ukraine,” he added.

(jh)

Source: PAP