In September 2022, the International Defence Industry Exhibition celebrated its 30th anniversary. MSPO 2022 was a record-breaking event in many aspects.
The Targi Kielce Defence Industry Expo brought 613 companies from 33 countries, including a plethora of Polish companies. The Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) has been the Strategic Partner of the International Defence Industry Exhibition. The trade fair hosted 60 delegations from 39 countries, including eight at the ministerial level. 19,000 guests from all over the world attended MSPO 2022, and another 10,500 visited its Open Day. MSPO was visited by the guest of honour, President Andrzej Duda. In addition to the President, the event was also graced by the presence of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defence and Paweł Soloch, the head of the National Security Bureau. The Turkish delegation prepared the Lead Nation Exhibition chaired by their Minister of National Defence, Hulusi Akar. The command staff of the Polish Army also took part in the event.
On the eve of the opening ceremony of the 30th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda visited Targi Kielce and bestowed awards and distinctions to several of Kielce Expo Centre’s Employees. For merits in the development of the exhibition sector in Poland, the President of Targi Kielce, Andrzej Mochoń PhD., was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Vice-President Bożena Staniak was bestowed with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta.
The War in Ukraine has made us all realise that the time of peace is over. This became a driving force for the development of Poland’s domestic defence industry and security arrangements. Here MSPO 2022 served in an important capacity as a gathering place for industry, the armed forces, and political representatives.
Important contracts signed during MSPO
On the eve of MSPO, the head of the Ministry of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak confirmed that Stalowa WolaSteel Works, a part of the Polish Armaments Group, and the Armaments Agency, signed a contract for the supply of KRAB self-propelled howitzers, along with ammunition vehicles, a training package and logistics. This contract is valued ataround PLN 3.8 Billion. On Tuesday, Mariusz Błaszczakapproved seven other contracts between PGZ and the Armaments Agency – PCO signed two agreements with the American REB Technologies and Defense Solutions GT from the United Arab Emirates. The President of Polish Armaments Group, Sebastian Chwałek, and the President of Hyundai Rotem, Lee Yong-bae, signed an agreement for cooperation between the two companies on unmanned land platforms and the commencement of work on the development of next-generation tank technology. The South Korean Hanwha Defense and Polish Armaments Group signed a memorandum of understanding setting out the partnership principles for production, servicing, life cycle costs and future development of K9 self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles and rocket artillery systems.
Defender Gala Awarding Ceremony
One of the last highlights of the International Defence Industry Exhibition was the presentation ceremony of the DEFENDER awards – the distinction is awarded every year by the Kielce defence trade show’s Programme Board and the Jury Panel. The gala was an occasion to bestow the President of the Republic of Poland’s award for the product which best serves the purpose of enhancing safety for soldiers in the Polish Armed Forces, as well as other distinctions and special awards from the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of National Defence and an honourable mention from the Minister of Development and Technology. The awards ceremony also saw awards and distinctions for the Operational Commander of the Branches of the Armed Forces, the Commander of Territorial Defence Forces, the Head of the Inspectorate of Support for the Armed Forces, the Special Distinction of the Programme Board, and the President of Targi Kielce’s Management Board. Companies which have been part of MSPO for 30 years were also recognised.
The MSPO Open Day Proved a Hit
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, Targi Kielce hosted 10,500 visitors from all over Poland during MSPO’s open day.The exhibit featured KRAB self-propelled howitzers, LEOPARD 2 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ROSOMAKarmoured personnel carriers, and American COUGARProtected Patrol vehicles. Approximately 200 units of military equipment, as well as gear for soldiers, were displayed in Expo Halls A, B, and the outdoor space, which together provided a total of 8,300 square metres of exhibition space. Targi Kielce’s 31st MSPO is scheduled to run from 5-8 September 2023
