Representatives of Łukasiewicz – ITECH took part in the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce – one of the most important events for the security and defence sector in Central and Eastern Europe. The Institute participated as part of the joint representation of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, showcasing the work of the Security and Defence Innovation Center as well as its latest analyses and publications on, among other topics, the advancement of dual-use technologies, the defence industry, hybrid threats and international technological competition.
Łukasiewicz – ITECH was represented by Michał Matlak,PhD, Director of the Institute, Maciej Gruszczyński, PhD Sc. Eng. , Head of the Security and Defence Innovation Center, and Melania Parzonka, Senior Specialist for European Security. Participation in MSPO provided an opportunity both to showcase the Institute’s research and analytical work and to meet with representatives of the defence sector, public administration, research institutions, and partners from Poland and abroad.
This year’s MSPO is the largest edition in the event’s history. A total of 1,209 companies from 43 countries are showcasing their products and capabilities in Kielce, with 60 official foreign delegations also in attendance. The exhibition spans 11 halls and outdoor display areas and, for the first time, also makes use of the new Targi Kielce exhibition hall. The scale of the event reflects not only the growing importance of the defence sector, but also the pace of technological change currently reshaping the security landscape.
One of the clearest trends at this year’s event is the continued development of unmanned systems, reconnaissance capabilities, loitering munitions, and solutions designed to enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of armed forces. Among the new systems unveiled were four solutions developed by WB Group: X-LiftAir, WARMATE 8X, GLADIUS 2 and STAR Hyperion. GLADIUS 2 is a loitering munition system designed to detect and engage targets at long range, featuring a reduced radar and thermal signature. Another major highlight was the presentation of a demonstrator of the new Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle developed by the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Huta Stalowa Wola. Weighing over 40 tonnes, the vehicle has been designed to provide a high level of crew protection and to operate alongside main battle tanks.
MSPO also demonstrates that contemporary security is about more than simply procuring ready-made weapons systems. Increasingly important are the capabilities to develop technologies independently, test them, bring them into operational use and manufacture them domestically, while also building and retaining industrial expertise within the country.
It is within this broader context that the analyses presented by Łukasiewicz – ITECH at MSPO take on particular significance. The Security and Defence Innovation Center conducts research on security, the defence industry, dual-use technologies and critical infrastructure protection, producing analyses, scenarios and recommendations to support decision-making in the fields of defence and crisis response.
One of the publications presented in Kielce was the report “Barriers to the Development of Dual-Use Technologies in Poland.” Dual-use technologies also featured prominently in the MSPO programme itself. A scientific conference devoted to the topic was held on the very first day of the exhibition, highlighting how the debate on dual-use is increasingly bringing together security considerations with industrial, innovation and economic policy.
Other Łukasiewicz – ITECH publications were also presented at the Łukasiewicz Research Network stand, including the policy paper “Hybrid Threats, Accountability, and Resilience: Rethinking the EU Response”, the policy brief “The Volatile Taiwan Strait: Economic Security Perspectives from Central Europe”, and the commentary “Technological Competition between Countries. Takeaways for Poland” . The subject matter of these publications broadens the technological dimension of the security debate to include the resilience of states and societies, hybrid threats, and the growing importance of technological advantage in global competition.
