Full Breakdown
Poland Shifts to Home-Grown Defence Production as It Expands Its Army
9/1/2026, 11:29:16 AM
Core Shift Toward Domestic and Regional Suppliers
On September 1, Reuters reported that Poland is redirecting defence procurement toward domestic firms and central-European partners to lessen reliance on distant suppliers. Spending on defence items from Polish companies and joint ventures rose nearly four-fold since 2022, reaching 30.4 billion zlotys (about $8.15 billion) last year, according to Armaments Agency data. The move accompanies a buildup to an army of more than 220,000 personnel, the largest land force in Europe.
Scale of Investment and Procurement Targets
Poland’s core defence budget for the current year is projected at roughly €53 billion, up from €44 billion in 2025 and representing about 4.7 % of gross domestic product. While high-profile systems such as U.S.-made Patriot missiles, Abrams tanks and F-35 fighters remain in the mix, the priority is expanding domestic output of drones, ammunition and other frequently used equipment. Czech-based CSG signed contracts exceeding €250 million with Polish state-linked firms to supply artillery components and fighting-vehicle parts, and Grupa Niewiadow is preparing to produce 155 mm shells at a capacity of 180,000 rounds per year.
Regional Partnerships and “Near-Shore” Production
The strategy reflects a broader Central-European shift. CSG Polska chief executive Wojciech Grzonka described Poland as a “strategic market” for expanding production capabilities. Defence expert Zdenek Rod of CEVRO University noted that Poland is pioneering “near-shore” manufacturing to improve resilience against global supply disruptions. German defence group Rheinmetall cited rising Polish demand as a reason for establishing production capacity and a regional maintenance hub in the country.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy State Assets Minister Konrad Golota emphasized that domestically used equipment must also be manufactured in Poland, calling the approach “increasingly important.” Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz framed the policy as both an economic driver and a safeguard for independent front-line supplies. Golota later added that firms wishing to sell in Poland must invest locally, transfer technology and engage in joint projects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The demand generated by Poland's defence modernisation programme justifies establishing full-scale production sites there, which can be integrated into European supply chains and contribute to redundancy and resilience in the European defence industrial system,” — Hungary. Germany's Rheinmetall
