MSPO 2024 opens with focus on proven military solutions
Today marks the opening of the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO - 3rd to 6th September in Targi Kielce - where the focus is on innovation and advanced military equipment, whilst marking Poland's 25 years in NATO.
Image courtesy MSPO
This year's event offers industry insiders the chance to see equipment exhibited by 769 companies from 34 countries around the world and on 7th September it hosts its MSPO Open Day, where everyone is invited and many Polish Army and military enthusiasts are welcomed.
This year's MSPO at Targi Kielce promises to be a record-breaking event with exhibitors presenting their products and services across nearly 35 thousand square metres of exhibition space. Polish companies enjoy the most prominent representations and the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany and Türkiye also mark their strong presence at the Expo. Korean companies' presence will be particularly visible, as they have created a dedicated pavilion highlighting the enhanced cooperation between Poland and South Korea. Ukraine is the special guest of this year's MSPO, presenting its latest defence technologies.
An impressive military equipment is the exhibition's focal point and it covers a wide range of equipment. The K2 tank from Hyundai Rotem, the 3D Long-Range Radar WARTA developed for 500 million PLN by the Polish company PIT RADWAR, the highly mobile MSR 'KUSZA' anti-aircraft system, which premiered at last year's MSPO and the export hit from MESKO - the Piorun missile system - are just some of the examples of large-scale exhibits on show.
The Polish Armaments Group, the exhibition's strategic partner, will present its achievements under the banner of 'Solutions Proven in Combat'. The exhibition also features small-size equipment and soldier gear. Visitors can see the Gentex NGFW pilot helmet, which won the tender and is now a new US Navy helmet, avionics systems from Aerobits for installation in UAVs and the latest version of the Rock 3.0 bulletproof vest. Sunway Network, a pioneer in integrating advanced technologies for the defence sector, invites you to its premiere presentation featuring the latest solution – the integrated Sunway Vision glasses system with a combat helmet.
The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, will be attending the event and the Expo will also be graced with the presence of the Speaker of the Sejm (Lower Chamber of the Parliament) Szymon HoÅownia and Minister of National Defence, Dept. Prime Minister WÅadysÅaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
MSPO has also attracted global attention, with international delegations and government representatives from around the world attending the Expo. This year, 51 delegations from 45 countries have announced their participation in MSPO. Targi Kielce will host the head of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, Stacy Cummings, the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine Oleksandr KAMYSZYN, the Korean Minister DAPA JONG GUN SEOK, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Moldova Anatolie NOSATÎI and Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. MSPO will also host ambassadors from Australia, France, Greece, Canada, Turkey, Norway and Sweden.
Over 20 British companies will be showcasing a range of tried and tested and innovative defence solutions on the UK Pavilion, which is supported by 25 high ranking UK DSE and Ministry of Defence (MoD) personnel, including the Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry. Several special networking events have been arranged to help UK Pavilion exhibitors take advantage of the high value export opportunities, which exist in the defence sector in Poland.
Today's opening of MSPO provides an opportunity for representatives of countries worldwide to become familiar with the latest military technologies, including Polish ones. Domestic companies will be the exhibition's backbone, as there will be over 400 Polish firms. The event runs from 3rd to 6th September - only adult business insiders are admitted to the expo grounds.
Armed Forces Exhibition under the NATO banner
This year's MSPO features the Armed Forces Exhibition jubilee exhibition, held under the banner of 'Poland; 25 years in NATO, safe and secure for 25 years' which 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 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
The Expo is not only a unique exhibition and business discussion platform. Many topical, knowledge-packed meetings 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, 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 hold the session on this opening day of the Expo. 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. This topic takes on greater significance given the war beyond Poland's eastern border.
Another pivotal event - the seminar on prospects of cooperation with the American army in Poland - is 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.
7th 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 Expo opning today, including the Rosomak Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers and Leopard tanks, which are the core of the Polish Army's cutting-edge equipment. Visitors can also admire other large-size machines, such as the K2 tank from Hyundai Rotem and the Krab gun-howitzer manufactured by Huta Stalowa Wola.
The Open Day also includes 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.