MSPO set to be record-breaking
Image courtesy MSPO
Held under the theme of Poland's 25th anniversary of NATO membership, the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO is one of Europe's most important defence industry events, ranked third after after EUROSATORY in Paris and DSEI in London.
The MSPO - under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda and with the Polish Armaments Group as Strategic Partner - has an exhibition area of 30,000 square metres in which to showcase advanced defence solutions.
The Targi Kielce International Defence Industry Exhibition has attracted exhibitors and visitors from all over the world for years. MSPO has always been the platform for exchanging experiences, presenting the latest technologies and establishing international business contacts. This trade show offers an unique opportunity for defence companies to present their latest products and services and develop strategic partnerships.
Andrzej Mochoń PhD, President of the Targi Kielce Management Board, said: "This is another record-breaking MSPO with 736 exhibitors and numerous companies from 34 countries around the world, including the most numerous representations from Australia, the USA and United Kingdom. Russia's aggression against Ukraine keeps causing tensions throughout Europe. Defence spending needs to be increased - it is clear to all of us, i.e. the general public, the economy and political milieus.
"Our government has allocated a record-breaking four per cent of GDP for this purpose. The need for equipment and supplies will increase, which translates into great interest in the trade show. I believe that this interest will not decrease even if the war in Ukraine ends as tensions between superpowers and political blocs will continue. A decade of increased defence spending lies ahead of us - explains the President of the Targi Kielce Management Board Mr Mochoń."
This year's show will also feature many topical, knowledge-packed meetings bringing together leading experts and representatives of the defence industry. The National Scientific Conference seminar - '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, the Institute for Security and Safety at the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences of the Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce and Targi Kielce SA hosting the session on the first day of the Expo (3rd September 2024). The seminar is devoted to the cooperation of Polish defence companies united in the Polish Armaments Group with civilian companies, universities, institutes and research and development units, with this topic of increasing significance given the war beyond Poland's eastern border.
Another pivotal event is the seminar which focuses on prospects for greater cooperation with the American army in Poland, organised by the Ministry of Development and Technology - Department of Commerce and International Cooperation. The participants will learn about the practical aspects of cooperation with the US armed forces operating in Poland, which is particularly important given the growing presence of American troops in the region.
Jubilee of the Armed Forces Exhibition
This year's trade show features the Armed Forces Exhibition jubilee exhibition, held under the banner of 'Poland: 25 years in NATO, safe and secure for 25 years'. This part of MSPO emphasises 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 the Alliance. The exhibition will include a mission town, a patrol boat and a snowmobile. Every year, over 1,000 Polish soldiers take part in the exhibition arrangement.
This year's MSPO will gather leading producers and suppliers of military equipment, experts and decision-makers who will discuss the future of defence, safety and security. The show's agenda includes discussion panels, technology presentations and numerous business meetings designed to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Not only is the International Defence Industry Exhibition Poland's largest defence industry exhibition but it is also one of the most important platforms that serve the purpose of global knowledge and experience exchange among defence, safety and security milieus. This year's show also demonstrates Targi Kielce's important role in building global business relationships and promoting innovative technological solutions.
Last year's MSPO witnessed several essential contracts and agreements signed. These have had a significant impact on the development of the Polish defence industry. The most important transactions include contracts for the supply of modern defence systems, cooperation with international partners and contracts for modernising and refurbishing existing military equipment. The contracts list includes cooperation between MESKO and the Armament Agency for the supply of ammunition for the Polish Armed Forces, agreements between PCO SA and VIGO SA regarding the development and implementation of cooled IR matrices (production and marketing) and a number of agreements signed by PGZ.
This year's show will witness several important contracts being officially signed, including the long-awaited contract for the supply of K2 tanks, which is intended to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Polish armed forces. The contract covers both the delivery of new units and the transfer of technology, which will contribute to the development of the Polish arms industry.
