Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak says that Poland is drawing conclusions from the war in Ukraine, from the methods used by the aggressor – Russia. He added that due to the large role of artillery in this conflict, Poland is strengthening and building up its missile forces.

“One of the basic conclusions is the great role of artillery, hence Poland is strengthening armed forces with RAK, Krab systems”, said Minister Blaszczak. The enhancement includes also rocket artillery, next year the first US HIMARS will be used by the Polish Army.

The head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that the first elements of the Patriot system will be delivered to Poland this year. “In 2019, we ordered HIMARS, in 2020 the most modern F35 aircraft, this year 250 Abrams tanks, I talked about faster delivery, we are on the right track and negotiations are ongoing”, said Mariusz Błaszczak.

He pointed out that in recent years Poland has put maximum emphasis on the domestic defense industry. If the Polish defense industry is unable to produce weapons that are needed for the Polish Army, we order them from abroad”, he added.

Two days ago, on June 7, during his visit to Stalowa Wola, Minister Błaszczak, informed the public that in 2016 the Polish government had ordered weapons worth PLN 6 billion from the local Stalowa Wola Steelworks.

“The orders include Regina Squadron Fire Modules – Krab cannon-howitzers, ammunition vehicles, command vehicles and other units, which ensure the efficiency of the entire module. In addition to the Krab, the Steelworks are developing RAK Fire Modules. The Stalowa Wola factory is also preparing launchers for the Patriot system, which will be delivered to the Polish Army this year”, said Mariusz Błaszczak.

Adrian Andrzejewski