The 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2024) has opened in Targi Kielce, Poland, and will run until 6 September, followed by an Open Day on 7 September to which the Polish Army and military enthusiasts are invited.
This year’s event, which offers industry insiders the chance to see equipment exhibited by 769 companies from 34 countries around the world, promises to be a record-breaking event, with companies exhibiting across nearly 35,000 m2.
Polish companies naturally dominate at MSPO 2024, but the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany and Türkiye also have a strong presence at the show, while South Korean companies will be particularly visible, as they have created a dedicated pavilion highlighting the enhanced co-operation between Poland and South Korea.
Ukraine, meanwhile is the special guest of this year’s MSPO and is presenting its latest defence technologies.
The latest military equipment is obviously the exhibition’s focal point, and there is certainly plenty of it at the show. The K2 main battle tank (MBT) from Hyundai Rotem, the WARTA 3D long-range radar developed for PLN 500 million by the Polish company PIT RADWAR, the highly mobile MSR Kusza anti-aircraft system that premiered at last year’s MSPO, and the export hit from MESKO – the Piorun missile system – are just some examples of large-scale exhibits attracting industry visitors. The Polish Armaments Group, the exhibition’s strategic partner, is presenting its achievements under the banner of ‘Solutions Proven in Combat’.
The exhibition also features smaller-sized equipment and soldier gear. Visitors can see the Gentex NGFW pilot helmet, which is now the new helmet for US Navy pilots, avionics systems from Aerobits for installation in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the latest version of the Rock 3.0 bulletproof vest. Sunway Network, a pioneer in integrating advanced technologies for the defence sector, is making a premiere presentation featuring its latest solutionL the Sunway Vision glasses system integrated with a combat helmet.
Very important guests
Polish President Andrzej Duda has confirmed participation at MSPO 2024, which will also be graced with the presence of the Speaker of the Sejm (the Lower Chamber of the Parliament), Szymon Hołownia, and Minister of National Defence and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
MSPO also attracts global attention, with international delegations and government representatives from around the world attending; this year 51 delegations from 45 countries have announced their participation in MSPO.
Among the VIPs visiting Targi Kielce will be the head of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, Stacy Cummings; the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kamyszyn; the Minister of the South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Jong Gun Seok; the Moldovan Minister of Defence, Anatolie Nosatîi; and the UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle.
MSPO will also host ambassadors from Australia, France, Greece, Canada, Turkey, Norway and Sweden. The September expo is an ideal opportunity for representatives of countries from all corners of the world to become familiar with the latest military technologies, including Polish innovations; domestic companies will be the exhibition’s backbone, with over 400 Polish firms attending.
Armed Forces Exhibition under the NATO banner
This year’s MSPO features the Armed Forces Exhibition jubilee. The exhibition is held under the banner ‘Poland: 25 years in NATO, safe and secure for 25 years’, emphasising the importance of Poland’s membership in the North Atlantic alliance for national and international security. The central theme is an excellent opportunity to present the achievements and progress made by the Polish armed forces since Poland joined NATO. The exhibition includes a mission town, a patrol boat and a snowmobile. Every year over 1,000 Polish soldiers take part in the exhibition arrangement.
Knowledge-packed MSPO
MSPO 2024 is not only a unique exhibition and business discussion platform; many topical, knowledge-packed meetings that bring together leading experts and representatives of the defence industry are also on the agenda. The National Scientific Conference ‘Cooperation of Defence Sector Enterprises with Civilian Enterprises and Research and Development Units’ is part of the show, with the Institute of International Relations and Public Policies and the Institute for Security and Safety at the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences of the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce and Targi Kielce holding the session on 3 September: the first day of the show. The seminar is devoted to the co-operation of Polish defence companies united within the Polish Armaments Group with civilian companies, universities, institutes, and research and development units. This topic is important in the face of the ongoing war beyond Poland’s eastern border.
Another pivotal event is the seminar on prospects for co-operation with the US Army in Poland, organised by the Ministry of Development and Technology’s Department of Commerce and International Cooperation. The participants will learn about the practical aspects of co-operation with the US armed forces operating in Poland, which is particularly important given the growing presence of US troops in the region. Many more events accompany this year’s MSPO.
7 September: everyone is invited
The MSPO Open Day welcomes military enthusiasts who are offered the opportunity to take a closer look at the most modern equipment used by the Polish Army displayed at the Armed Forces Exhibition.
Forty-one combat units will be presented at the Open Day, including the impressive Rosomak wheeled armoured personnel carriers and Leopard 2 MBTs, which form the core of the Polish Army’s cutting edge. However, these are just some of the attractions; visitors can also admire other major defence platforms, such as the K2 MBT from Hyundai Rotem and the Krab self propelled howitzer manufactured by Huta Stalowa Wola.
The Open Day also abounds with additional attractions, such as the ‘Young Territorials with a Medal’ educational trail, a parade drill show and artistic performances by military bands. Admission to the Open Day is free of charge and open to everyone, regardless of age.
