As the global defense industry converges in Abu Dhabi for IDEX 2025, Poland is set to make a significant impact with its National Stand, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative defense solutions. In this exclusive interview, we speak with the Vice President of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), Mr. Łukasz Gwiazdowski to explore Poland’s objectives, technological advancements, and strategic vision for participating in one of the world’s most prestigious defense exhibitions.
With a focus on high-tech security and dual-use products, Poland aims to highlight its growing defense sector’s capabilities, emphasizing the contributions of both established industry leaders and dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the banner of “Poland. Business Forward,” the Polish delegation is prepared to engage in meaningful dialogues, forge international partnerships, and present breakthrough innovations that position Poland as a key player in the global defense landscape.
Join us as we delve into the strategic importance of IDEX 2025 for Poland, the evolving landscape of its defense industry, and the opportunities it presents for international collaboration.
What are the main objectives of the Polish National Stand at IDEX 2025?
The main objective of the Polish National Stand at IDEX 2025 is to promote the Polish high-tech sector in the area of security and dual-use products. We focus on showing that Polish companies – not only large state-owned concerns – but also small and medium-sized private companies, offer state-of-the-art and innovative solutions that put them at the forefront of the world. Combined with the highest quality standards and business culture, this makes Polish companies ideal partners in supply chains. We invite foreign partners to discuss this topic at our national stand. You will also be able to meet representatives of Polish business and industry experts there. We also promote institutions and tools that make it easier for foreign partners to get acquainted with the Polish potential and establish business contacts.
An example is The Polish Defence Industry Portal (www.polishdefenceindustry.gov.pl), managed by the Ministry of Development and Technology, which we can discuss in more detail.
How does the participation in IDEX align with Poland’s broader strategy for defense industry growth?
The presence of Poland and representatives of the Polish defense sector and technology in the area of security and dual-use goods in IDEX reflects the priorities described in more detail below (answer to question no. 6), especially building international partners. Thanks to the possibility of establishing and developing partnership-based business relations with entrepreneurs from Arab countries, it is possible to create foundations for achieving business successes, co-creating innovative solutions in the area of security, not only military. Thanks to joint dual-use projects, also civilian sector entities have the opportunity to present their potential and contribute to building a secure future.
What specific technologies and solutions will Polish companies showcase at the exhibition?
Polish companies present with their stands at IDEX offer a wide range of solutions, including vehicles for airmobile troops, Military Police and Border Guard, EOD systems and equipment, Innovative Multispectral Camouflage Solutions and technical fabrics, loitering ammunition, unmanned systems, training and deceptive flying targets, drones, modern weapon systems and military equipment, as well as the revolutionary new category of personal jet, being the only one able to take off from small field airstrips.
Polish companies – not only those whose entire activity is focused on the defense sector, but also companies from the civil sectors, which are increasingly conducting parallel production dedicated to recipients from the military, security and state resilience, and population protection areas – offer a very wide range of products and services that deserve the attention of international customers. These are not only technical or software solutions, but also, for example, from the field of food with extended shelf life and for use in extreme conditions, which are appreciated by the world’s leading armies (e.g. the Turkish army).
How will the “Poland. Business Forward” motto be reflected in the country’s presence at IDEX 2025?
The motto Poland. Business Forward was created as an umbrella brand and a tool for promoting the Polish Economy Brand as well as strategic sectors of the Polish economy at the most important international economic and industry events, in particular in all activities of the project “Internationalization of SMEs – Brand HUB” (action 2.26 FENG – “European Funds for Modern Economy 2021-2027”) implemented by the Ministry of Development and Technology and its Partners. The Polish Economy Brand is also used by entrepreneurs implementing projects under measure 2.25 FENG.
Creating the current motto as part of the rebranding of the Polish Economy Brand, we used the potential of the mark that was prepared in connection with Poland’s participation in the World Expo in Dubai (Poland.Expo2020.Dubai). The basic Poland. mark creates space for multidimensionality and modularity, as well as for dialogue with Poland and Poles, and in the world about Poland and Poles. The openness of this sign allows for the development of the slogan and a broad interpretation of “What is Poland to You?”.
This is how the idea of Poland. Business Forward was created, encompassing the business component of building the recognition of Polish entrepreneurs on the international stage and the motto, the aim of which is to build the credibility of the Polish Economy Brand, and thus strengthen the image and recognition of Poland around the world. The concept of the multidimensionality of the sign has opened up a space for communication about the potential and innovation of sectors strategic for Poland.
Thanks to the openness and modularity of the Poland. Business Forward sign, we have created a kind of umbrella under which many projects related to the promotion of the Polish Economy Brand implemented by central and local government institutions can fit. The inclusiveness of this sign indicates that the Polish economy and business are constantly intertwining, and through the scale of involvement of Polish entrepreneurs, we are giving credibility to the essence and timeless power of the Poland. Business Forward message.
For the purposes of Poland’s presence at IDEX 2025, carried out as part of the “Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB” project, the “Security & Dual Use Goods Sector” logo is used.
Can you elaborate on the role of the “Internationalization of SMEs – Brand HUB” program in this initiative?
The aim of the project “Internationalisation of SMEs – Brand HUB”, under the Programme “European Funds for Modern Economy 2021-2027” (FENG) with a budget of PLN 182 million, is to increase the development potential of Polish SMEs and to increase the export volume of Polish enterprises through their participation in promotional activities on foreign markets and creating an environment conducive to innovation.
How has Poland’s defense industry evolved in response to recent geopolitical challenges?
The Polish defense sector is currently prioritizing a rapid modernization and expansion of its armed forces, driven by the need to deter potential aggression and meet its commitments within NATO. Here’s a breakdown of Polish key focuses:
- Modernization and Expansion with Rapid Procurement following significant increase the size of its armed forces: Poland is heavily investing in new military hardware, including tanks, artillery systems, air defense systems (like the Patriot and Wisła programs), and combat aircraft (including the F-35). Poland is also focusing on increasing its drone capabilities.
- Strengthening Partnerships:
NATO Alliance: Poland is a strong advocate for NATO and is actively involved in joint exercises and operations with its allies. Poland emphasize the importance of the transatlantic bond for European security.
International Cooperation: Poland is seeking to diversify its arms suppliers and is engaging in defense cooperation with various countries, including the United States, South Korea, and European as well as non-European partners.
- Domestic Defense Industry:
Boosting Production: Poland is aiming to strengthen its domestic defense industry to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and create jobs. Poland is encouraging collaboration between Polish and foreign companies.
Technology Transfer: Poland is seeking to acquire advanced technologies and know-how through partnerships and offset agreements to modernize its own production capabilities.
- Cyber Defense and Cybersecurity Investments: Recognizing the growing importance of cyber warfare, Poland is investing in cybersecurity capabilities to protect its critical infrastructure and military networks.
The War in Ukraine: The ongoing conflict has highlighted the need for a strong and well-equipped military to deter potential aggression, particularly from Russia.
Increased Geopolitical Tensions: The deteriorating security environment in Europe and globally has prompted Poland to bolster its defense capabilities.
NATO Commitments: Poland is committed to meeting its NATO obligations, including maintaining a certain level of defense spending and contributing to collective defense efforts.
Overall, Poland’s defense priorities reflect a determination to strengthen its security and play a more active role in ensuring the collective defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
The value of export permits amounted to EUR 10.788 billion, and the actual export of Polish weapons and ammunition amounted to EUR 1.753 billion. It should be noted that the number and value of export permits issued in 2023 are still high compared to 2020, and the value of the actual export increased compared to 2020-2022. In 2020, the actual export amounted to EUR 392.5 million.
Which Polish defense products have gained the most traction in the international market?
In the longer term and using the nomenclature of the Armaments List categories of the export control system for strategically important goods in force in Poland the ML 10 category (“Aircraft”, “lighter-than-air vehicles”, unmanned aerial vehicles, aero-engines and “aircraft” equipment, related equipment and components, specially designed or modified for military use) remains one of the most important in the structure of Polish arms and military equipment exports. This is the result of cooperative exports by companies cooperating with foreign concerns or being their subsidiaries. These companies, producing components for aircraft, helicopters and land vehicles, continue to be the main Polish exporters of equipment covered by the Armament List, and their results affect the total export result of companies in the defence industry sector.
However due to the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, in 2023 the share of this category in the structure of Polish arms and military equipment exports gave way (4th place) to the ML 3 (i.e. ammunition and fuses and specially designed components therefor – the largest part of Polish exports in 2023, amounting to EUR 589 million) and ML 4 (i.e. bombs, torpedoes, rockets, missiles, other explosive devices and charges and related equipment and accessories, specially designed for military use, and specially designed components therefor – the value of these exports amounted to EUR 497 million in 2023) categories. In third place was the ML 6 category, i.e. land vehicles and their components, with a value of EUR 237 million. It is difficult to assess at present how long this advantage will last and whether it will be a permanent phenomenon.
In 2023, Poland managed to export, among others, WZT-3 armored personnel carriers, 120 mm M74 towed mortars, 155 mm “Krab”/”Crab” howitzers, RBS15 Mk 2 missiles and “Piorun”/”Thunderbolt” portable anti-aircraft missile systems. As in the previous year, the largest recipient of Polish arms was Ukraine with exported weapons worth EUR 1.419 million.
Can you highlight any recent breakthroughs or technological advancements from Polish defense companies?
Several Polish defense companies have made significant breakthroughs and advancements recently. Here are a few notable examples:
- PZL Mielec: A Lockheed Martin company, PZL Mielec is a major manufacturer of aircraft, including the S-70 Black Hawk helicopter and the M28 utility aircraft. They have recently expanded their production facilities and implemented advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and friction stir welding, to improve efficiency and innovation.
- Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW): HSW is a leading manufacturer of artillery systems, including the Krab self-propelled howitzer and the Rak self-propelled mortar. They have recently doubled their production capacity and are investing in new technologies to further enhance their capabilities.
- WB Group: WB Group is a leading manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including the FlyEye drone and the Warmate loitering munition. Their systems have been successfully deployed in various conflicts and are highly regarded for their performance and reliability.
- PGZ: PGZ is a large defense conglomerate that includes several companies specializing in different areas of defense technology. They are involved in the development and production of a wide range of systems, including armored vehicles, missile systems, and naval systems.
- Mesko: Mesko is a manufacturer of ammunition and missile systems, including the Piorun man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). The Piorun has gained international recognition for its effectiveness and has been successfully used in combat.
These are just a few examples of the many Polish defense companies that are making significant contributions to the advancement of defense technology. Their innovations and advancements are helping to strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities and contribute to the security of the region.
How significant is Ukraine as a market for Poland’s defense exports?
In 2021, Ukraine was still in seventh place on the list of importers of Polish arms, but in 2022 – after a full-scale aggression by Russia – it was in first place. In 2023 Ukraine was also the largest importer of Polish arms, to which Poland exported arms worth 1.419 million euros. It is worth noting that due to confidentiality clauses, these data do not contain information on the permits issued, their value and the actual export of arms and military equipment transferred by the Polish authorities as a donation to Ukraine.
In 2023 among 57 countries-importers of Polish arms in second place was the United States with a value of – 118 million euros;
In third place was Spain – 26 million euros;
In fourth Germany – 24 million euros;
In fifth Norway – 21 million;
How will Polish companies benefit from the business talks and networking opportunities at IDEX 2025?
By using the potential of the Polish national stand and the experts present there, Polish entrepreneurs gain both the assistance of the Polish State in their international activities – which is particularly important in the defense sector. Arab entrepreneurs also benefit, because the presence of PAIH experts and other business environment institutions from Poland guarantees the appropriate quality of business relations and the credibility of Polish partners who are present at IDEX.
What support will the Polish Investment and Trade Agency provide to exhibitors?
The Polish Investment and Trade Agency offers exhibitors the opportunity to hold B2B and B2G business meetings at the Polish national stand, assists in arranging these meetings and prepares entrepreneurs for these meetings by familiarizing them with the specifics of various business cultures, depending on the country of origin of the interlocutors.
The PAIH’s main tasks include supporting Polish producers in the implementation of their export strategies, in particular in the field of business matchmaking, and it should be emphasized that, as part of its statutory mission, the Agency does not engage directly in purely military projects. As for the assortment, PAIH primarily supports producers in the civilian sector who offer products that are also used on the battlefield, but are not weapons and military equipment – these are either civilian goods or dual-use goods that are not subject to strict export control (the best examples are food rations, dressings, medical articles or a wide range of electronic equipment and software adapted to the requirements of the armed forces). In the case of weapons and military equipment and goods subject to export control, we work closely with the relevant institutions established to promote the Polish armaments sector and become directly involved in developing export contracts – both within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Development and Technology.
Can you discuss the significance of the exclusive VIP lounge for B2B meetings?
The exclusive VIP lounge for B2B meetings is particularly needed during talks requiring a calmer atmosphere, isolated from the hustle and bustle characteristic of the trade fair space. Especially since, apart from courtesy and introduction meetings, in some cases the topics of the talks require discretion and peace. Such a zone at the Polish national stand provides such an atmosphere and additionally allows to honour particularly distinguished guests of the Polish stand.
How can companies that are unable to attend in person still showcase their products at the Polish National Stand?
Polish companies that do not have their own stand at IDEX can also benefit from the Polish national stand. The Polish national stand is a space where B2B and B2G meetings can take place. It is also a contact and information point, thanks to which the foundations can be built for future meetings and talks, and maybe even missions, which can result in very good cooperation between Polish and Arab companies. Polish industry experts present at the national stand are trusted contact points who will be happy to provide all the necessary information and help establish direct relationships with the right companies, including companies not present at the fair, if they receive information about existing or expected needs.
What are Poland’s key expectations and desired outcomes from IDEX 2025?
We expect that thanks to their presence at the IDEX fair, Polish entrepreneurs will establish fruitful business relations with potential recipients, but also partners in joint research, development and production projects that will allow them to respond to dynamically changing challenges in the international arena. Such cooperation also provides opportunities to exchange valuable experiences that improve business competences, especially important in export expansion to such demanding and rapidly developing markets as the African or Asian regions.
Presence at such a prestigious event also provides an opportunity to consolidate the positive image of Poland as a reliable, stable partner.
Appendix – from PAIH and MRiT
The Polish Defence Industry Portal (www.polishdefenceindustry.gov.pl), managed by the Ministry of Development and Technology, serves as a key tool for supporting the internationalization of Polish companies operating in the defence and security sectors. This platform facilitates business networking, provides access to procurement opportunities, and helps identify potential partners for joint projects. Currently, the portal hosts a database of over 140 Polish enterprises ready to collaborate with international partners, including those from the Middle East.
A particularly significant feature of the portal is its availability in six languages, including Arabic, which greatly enhances communication and facilitates business relations with companies and institutions from the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the region. Given the increasing interest in cooperation in the field of advanced technologies, the portal can play a crucial role in strengthening Polish-Emirati relations, particularly in the area of dual-use products, which can be applied for both civilian and military purposes.
Polish companies are active in numerous innovative sectors, including advanced security systems, cybersecurity, aviation, space technologies, autonomous systems, armored vehicles, and critical infrastructure protection. Thanks to the Arabic language version, entrepreneurs from the Middle East can easily search for Polish partners, explore available technologies, and establish direct contacts with companies interested in cooperation in exports, technology transfers, and joint investments.
Beyond connecting businesses, the portal also functions as a strategic tool for facilitating international cooperation by providing access to global procurement opportunities, tenders, and industry events. It can be an effective support mechanism for companies from the UAE and the Middle East seeking cutting-edge technologies and European business partnerships.
During IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, we encourage representatives from the defence and security sectors to explore the Polish Defence Industry Portal as a dedicated platform for fostering business relations with Polish companies. With its Arabic language accessibility, the portal is an intuitive and efficient tool for companies interested in cooperating with Poland in the fields of advanced defence technologies and dual-use products. We invite you to visit the portal at www.polishdefenceindustry.gov.pl and register to establish new business partnerships with Polish defence and security enterprises.
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