Some articles or their parts may be translated by machine or artificial intelligence from Polish to English.
The first-ever Polish–Swedish military exercises have begun
On September 22, 2025, the Operational Command of the Branches of the Armed Forces announced the start of the first-ever Polish–Swedish military exercises SNEX Gotland Sentry (Gotland Sentry). These maneuvers are the result of a defense agreement signed on September 2, 2025, in Kielce during the International Defence Industry Exhibition with Sweden’s Minister of Defence Pål Jonson. The document covers joint operations in the Baltic Sea and the development of cooperation in the field of defense technologies.
SNEX (Short Notice Exercise) exercises are short-term military training without a long planning stage, focused on flexibility and combat readiness. They verify the ability to rapidly deploy forces by air, sea, and land. An important element of the exercise is improving collective defense procedures and developing interoperability and command capabilities in an international environment.
The maneuvers are taking place in the strategic Baltic Sea region, with an emphasis on Gotland as a key point of regional defense. They are conducted jointly by the Operational Command of the Branches of the Polish Armed Forces and the Swedish Joint Forces Command.
The event is a symbolic step toward deepening defense cooperation between Poland and Sweden, particularly in the context of growing geopolitical tensions in the Baltic region. It brings a number of strategic benefits for Poland, Sweden, and the entire Baltic Sea region.
The island of Gotland is of key importance for controlling air and maritime space in the region. Its defense is the foundation of stability in Northeastern Europe. As a new member of the Alliance, Sweden shows its readiness to actively participate in defense activities, which strengthens the shared security architecture.
The maneuvers include air, naval, and land components, which makes it possible to improve cooperation in a complex operational environment. The exercises are a demonstration of defense readiness and determination to act together in the event of a threat. They show that member and partner states are capable of rapid mobilization and of defending the interests of the Alliance.
L3Harris introduces the Viper Shield EW system in a podded version
On September 23, 2025, L3Harris Technologies, Space & Airborne Systems, announced that it is introducing a pod that will allow F‑16 fighters to better protect their advanced electronic warfare (EW) system. The podded variant of Viper Shield provides flexibility when expanding or strengthening F‑16 fleets’ electronic warfare capabilities.
Countries wishing to modernize their F‑16 fleets with the advanced Viper Shield electronic warfare (EW) system produced by L3Harris now have at their disposal a podded variant that offers the same level of protection as the system integrated into the aircraft.
– Seven U.S. partners, including most recently Poland, have selected the Viper Shield system for its advanced electronic warfare capabilities and ease of upgrade – said Ed Zoiss, President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris. – To increase aircraft survivability, users – especially those operating F‑16s in Block 50 or earlier versions – may prefer the flexibility of the external Viper Shield pod.
Advanced, digital EW protection combined with ongoing system development funding by partner nations as well as L3Harris internal investments means that both the internal variant and the external, podded variant allow F‑16 operators to procure fewer complete aircraft systems for their fleets – ground crews can move entire systems from one aircraft to another, as required by planned operations.
Rapid fielding and achievement of operational readiness, as well as growth potential for Viper Shield, are supported by full production funding, ensuring quick entry into service and integration with platforms. The open architecture provides growth and integration options with new systems such as advanced radars or electronic systems, further increasing situational awareness and the ability to detect and counter threats. The advanced functions of both variants are based on ready, commercial technologies and on a software‑defined architecture.
Viper Shield is lighter, smaller, and more modular in design than earlier EW systems. The pod fits all F‑16 variants, from the oldest to the newest. Its LRU modules can be easily swapped in the field, with the option to add additional advanced capabilities under future 3U Versatile Performance Extension upgrades. The Viper Shield pods being produced today and the internal version are identical, including the same part numbers, which – if necessary – gives ground crews the ability to move entire systems from one aircraft to another.
Zasobnik Viper Shield. fot. L3Harris
Air forces of individual countries will benefit from the system’s interoperability during joint training or operations, regardless of the variant chosen. The availability of the pod and the ability to detach it from the aircraft ensure simple and quick repairs, so that the aircraft can return to service rapidly.
– Whether Viper Shield customers choose the podded variant, the internal one, or both, they will extend the F‑16’s operational life, strengthening the entire fleet so that these venerable fighters can continue to evolve and meet the challenges of the modern battlefield – bringing pilots home safely – said Ed Zoiss.
Remembering the past – Hanwha Aerospace and the Association of the Wounded and Injured in Missions Outside the Country pay tribute to Polish soldiers
As a strategic partner of the Association of the Wounded and Injured in Missions Outside the Country, Hanwha Aerospace Europe took part in ceremonies commemorating soldiers of the Polish II Corps under the command of General Władysław Anders, who fell during the Italian campaign in World War II. The ceremonies were held on September 23, 2025, in Loreto and Ancona.
In Loreto, at the Polish War Cemetery, 1,081 soldiers of the II Corps lie at rest, having fallen in the summer of 1944 in the fighting for Ancona, Loreto on the Metauro River, and during the breakthrough of the Gothic Line. The necropolis is located at the foot of the basilica and consists of terraced plots surrounding a central obelisk with an eagle and the names of battles. It was there that, in the presence of the daughter of one of the fallen soldiers and clergy, representatives of the Association and Hanwha Aerospace Europe laid wreaths and lit candles. The trumpet sounded “Sleep, Comrade,” and the memory of the heroes was honored with a minute of silence.
Uroczystości upamiętniających żołnierzy 2. Korpusu Polskiego gen. Władysława Andersa
Next, the delegation went to Ancona. It was there, on July 18, 1944, that soldiers of the II Corps liberated one of the most important ports on the Adriatic. The operation was of strategic significance – it shortened the supply lines of the Allied 8th Army and accelerated the offensive into northern Italy, which had a real impact on the further course of the war in Europe. Flowers were laid and a symbolic candle lit under the plaque at Porta Santo Stefano commemorating the entry of Polish soldiers into the city.
Hanwha Aerospace Europe proudly supports initiatives that combine care for historical memory with tangible support for the veterans’ community and their families. This is part of Hanwha’s global social engagement program – where the memory of the past meets responsibility for the future.
It is also worth recalling that on the first day of MSPO 2025, at the Hanwha stand, the President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, Jacek Cyrek, presented the President of the Association of the Wounded and Injured in Missions Outside the Country with a commemorative check symbolizing a donation of PLN 100,000 made to the Association for its statutory purposes, including preserving the memory of Polish war heroes.
An audit of the production lines manufacturing components for the PAC‑3 MSE missile has been carried out at Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne S.A.
Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne S.A. (Military Electronic Works, WZE) and Lockheed Martin announced on September 23, 2025, that an audit had been carried out of the production line for two key processes under the Patriot Advanced Capability‑3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC‑3 MSE) program. The activities are a significant element in delivering the offset commitments of the Wisła program.
PAC‑3 MSE (Missile Segment Enhancement) missiles are the newest and most advanced interceptor version in the Patriot missile defense system.
The detailed audit, which also involves the U.S. government, aims to confirm that the Attitude Control Section (ACS) and Attitude Control Motor (ACM) components manufactured by WZE S.A. meet quality, safety, and compliance standards. This is a key stage leading to the final phases of launching these two production lines, completion of the offset projects, and transition to production.
– Validation of the production lines is a huge step for WZE on the road to joining the global PAC‑3 MSE supply chain and an important element of the E4a offset commitments of the Wisła program. After five years of implementing the offset agreement, it is clear that this is a fruitful and mutually beneficial form of cooperation, because it opens new opportunities for partners from the USA and Poland – said Damian Gorzelany, President of Wojskowe Zakłady Elektroniczne S.A.
The PAC‑3 MSE ACS and ACM are key components used to control the PAC‑3 MSE’s flight path and its hit‑to‑kill precision. The ACMs, housed in the ACS, fire explosive charges to correct the missile’s course and ensure a body‑to‑body collision.
– Cooperation with Polish industry benefits the USA, Poland, and PAC‑3 users worldwide – said Robert Orzyłowski, Lockheed Martin Country Director for Poland and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). He added that the new ACS and ACM production lines will enable WZE S.A. to join the global PAC‑3 MSE supply chain and further strengthen the long‑term partnership with the Polish defense industry.
PAC‑3 MSE is a key element of Poland’s air and missile defense system. It uses a unique hit‑to‑kill technology that enables the direct detection, tracking, and destruction of threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles, advanced aerial targets, or aircraft.
Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 S.A. with a strategic PLN 2 billion contract for the delivery of Mobile Communications Nodes
At the headquarters of Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 S.A. (Military Communications Works No. 1, WZŁ‑1), on September 24, 2025, company representatives signed a contract with the State Treasury, represented by the Armament Agency, for the delivery of 56 Mobile Communications Nodes (MCC) for the needs of Phase II of the Wisła Program – one of the most important modernization programs of the Polish Army. The contract provides for MCC deliveries in 2027–2030 together with a Logistics Package and a Training Package. The value of the contract is over PLN 2 billion, making it one of the largest in the company’s history.
The Wisła program is a flagship project of the Polish Armed Forces aimed at creating a multi‑layered air defense system based on modern technologies compatible with NATO solutions. The Mobile Communications Nodes produced by WZŁ‑1 constitute a significant element of the communications infrastructure within the entire system, ensuring secure, interference‑resistant, encrypted communications at the tactical and operational levels.
– Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa is a strategic partner in the technical modernization of the Polish Armed Forces. The Wisła program, implemented on the Polish side by a consortium of which Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No. 1 is an integral part, is one of the key projects of PGZ. It is a great satisfaction that the role of Polish companies in it is growing, and the ever‑higher contract values not only improve the financial situation of the companies but also provide a basis for developing further in‑house projects. And most importantly, they make it possible to equip the Polish Armed Forces with modern and necessary equipment – emphasized Adam Leszkiewicz, President of PGZ.
The implementation of the contract will be of considerable importance not only for the Polish Armed Forces but also for the company itself. The project envisages both serial production of military equipment and technology development, increased employment, expansion of technical facilities, and closer cooperation with business partners.
– Today, the best capability in communicating between sensor and effector flows out of Poland – meaning from imaging, visualization, detection, to transfer, to the effector, to act against a drone, a missile, an aircraft, an aerial vehicle that enters our airspace and threatens our security – said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz during the contract signing.
Podpisanie umowy na mobilne węzły łączności. fot. MON
Polish Ministry of National Defence – we have six offers for the purchase of submarines under the Orka program
In Warsaw, on September 24, 2025, the conference “Capabilities of the Polish Navy and protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Security in the era of conventional and hybrid threats” was held.
– We have six offers concerning the purchase of submarines – Italian, Spanish, French, German‑Norwegian, Swedish, Korean. What remains now is the decision on final analysis at the level of the Council of Ministers regarding the choice of partner country. The Baltic Sea is a key communication and transport route, but also a place where we must safeguard our security – said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz during the conference.
– We are fighting GPS signal interference. We are fighting violations of airspace and of infrastructure on the Baltic seabed. We are doing this in an allied manner, and that allied response is the best solution. We have good partners – Finland and Sweden have greatly strengthened the North Atlantic Alliance. If the modernization plan for both unmanned and manned systems is fully implemented, the Republic of Poland’s Navy will be among the strongest operating not only in the Baltic Sea region, but among all NATO countries – added Kosiniak‑Kamysz.
As the Minister of National Defence noted, today’s threats to the Baltic, its infrastructure, and communication routes mean that cooperation among particular state services and allied cooperation is necessary. He also informed about work on the Safe Baltic Act, which will soon be presented in the Sejm.
Regarding the offer presented by the French company Naval Group, which is proposing a Scorpène submarine for the Polish Navy under the ORKA program, equipped with cruise missiles, and about the agreement signed by the company with PGZ and the Naval Shipyard, during MSPO 2025 we spoke with Mark Ferret, Business Development Director for Northern Europe. See the interview:
– The version of the Scorpène submarine currently being presented is the latest version of a very well‑known submarine that is already deployed and sails in various waters around the world. This is very important, because we know what the times are like now and how crucial it is that the equipment has been tested and proven. Together with the submarine we also offer NCM – Naval Cruise Missiles, and this is an advantage of our offer, because they can be launched from under water – says Mark Ferret, Business Development Director for Northern Europe. – This is an entire system that is based on the submarine, because the NCM – Naval Cruise Missile is the same missile that also has a land‑based version.
About the assumptions of Hanwha Ocean’s offer, the KSS III submarines, and plans for industrial cooperation in the civil sector, Sean Seongwoo Park, Vice President of Hanwha Ocean, spoke in an interview with the NationalSecurity.pl portal. We encourage you to watch the interview:
– South Korea proposes not only the delivery of the KSS III submarine. Thanks to this cooperation, Poland can become a strategic partner of South Korea – not only in the area of defense, but also in industry, innovation, and the maritime economy – says Tomasz Sadowski, Deputy Director for the Orka program at Hanwha Ocean. – The KSS III submarine is a symbol of a broader vision of cooperation: technology transfer, investments in Polish shipyards, and building long‑term relationships based on partnership and Korean investment in Poland.
As announced by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at its meeting on September 17, 2025, the government adopted information from the Ministry of National Defence on the status of work on the Orka program and instructed the MoD, in cooperation with the Ministry of State Assets and the Ministries of Finance and Economy, to prepare a recommendation regarding the acquisition of submarines. The Chancellery of the Prime Minister also officially announced after the cabinet meeting that a resolution obliging the purchase of submarines had been adopted, although this resolution has not yet been published. As the Prime Minister informed, the decision in the Orka program is to be known no later than the end of 2025.
More than 1,200 Legwan off‑road vehicles will go to Polish Armed Forces soldiers
At the Rosomak S.A. plant in Siemianowice Śląskie, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, a framework agreement was signed for the delivery of more than 1,200 off‑road vehicles for the Polish Armed Forces. The agreement concluded between the Armament Agency, representing the State Treasury of the Republic of Poland, and a consortium consisting of Rosomak S.A. (leader) and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. concerns the delivery by 2035 of a total of 1,266 Legwan off‑road vehicles, built on a KIA chassis.
During the term of the framework agreement, executive contracts will be concluded for the delivery of a family of vehicles, including: light reconnaissance vehicles, high‑mobility troop‑transport trucks, 4×4 off‑road vehicles, technical workshops, and vehicles based on the KIA LTV platform, together with logistics and training packages.
Podpisanie umowy ramowej na dostawę pojazdów terenowych dla Wojska Polskiego, fot. MON
The logistics packages will be tailored to the vehicle configurations, in particular to the specialist devices and equipment and the tools enabling maintenance and repairs to be performed to the extent and under the principles specified in future executive agreements. The training packages will include training for personnel of the Polish Armed Forces and the delivery of equipment for training bases and training materials, enabling correct, uninterrupted, and safe use of the vehicles.
These will be vehicles prepared in different versions tailored to the needs of the army.
A Light Reconnaissance Vehicle intended for patrol reconnaissance, transport of soldiers with individual and specialist equipment, without or in contact with the enemy’s formation, in all weather conditions, day and night, with no long‑term resupply.
A high‑mobility troop‑transport truck intended for transport tasks by military units in the scope of carrying people and equipment and supporting activities during combat as well as in peacetime.
A 4×4 off‑road vehicle intended to carry out support and sustainment tasks for tank battalions equipped with K2PL tanks.
A technical workshop vehicle intended to carry out technical reconnaissance tasks during combat as well as in peacetime.
Germany will buy AMRAAM missiles worth USD 1.2 billion – Poland has them too
The U.S. Department of State has given the green light for a potential sale to Germany of up to 400 AIM‑120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium‑Range Air‑to‑Air Missile) missiles produced by defense giant RTX. The transaction is estimated at over USD 1.2 billion. The German government requested the purchase of up to 400 AIM‑120D‑3 medium‑range air‑to‑air missiles, and up to twelve guidance sections for these missiles, containers, and support equipment. The approval opens the way for Berlin to purchase the weapons from RTX, whose subsidiary Raytheon produces AMRAAMs. The approval covers the AIM‑120D‑3 variant and accompanying equipment which – as stated in the Department of State’s announcement of September 25, 2025 – will provide increased air‑combat capability for Germany’s F‑35 program and meet other NATO needs.
According to information published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the number and total value of the purchase is not final, as quantities and amounts often change during negotiations. The announcement also technically gives lawmakers the opportunity to block the deal within 30 days, although such a step would be unlikely given that Germany is a key NATO ally.
Pociski rakietowe powietrze-powietrze średniego zasięgu AIM-120 na wyposażeniu amerykańskich F-35. fot. Siły Powietrzne USA
The sale will cover up to 400 missiles, together with support equipment and assistance, as well as KGV‑135A encryption devices, support for armament systems and software, spare parts, consumables, accessories, technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, and engineering, technical, and logistics support services. According to the DSCA, this will provide increased air defense capabilities for Germany’s F‑35 program, boosting air‑combat capability and supporting German and joint planning, training, and NATO operations requirements.
Let us recall that in 2024 Poland signed a contract for the purchase of 745 AIM‑120C‑8 AMRAAM missiles. The contract value is approximately USD 850 million net. Deliveries are planned for 2029–2032.
In April 2025, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale to Poland of 400 of the latest AIM‑120D‑3 AMRAAM missiles worth up to USD 1.3 billion. In total, Poland may have more than 1,100 modern AMRAAM missiles in various versions. These missiles will arm F‑16 aircraft and the future F‑35A Husarz.
Germany’s Rheinmetall will build an artillery ammunition factory in Latvia
As reported by the Latvian National Defense Corporation, on September 25, 2025, the Latvian side concluded an agreement with the German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall to launch a factory in Latvia to produce artillery ammunition, including large‑caliber 155 mm rounds.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by the German and Latvian sides in Hamburg. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition will hold 51% of the shares, and the Latvian National Defense Corporation (VAK) 49%. The investment is estimated at EUR 275 million. The plant is to be equipped with state‑of‑the‑art lines for forging and filling shells. The investment is planned to begin in spring 2026, with production to start a year later, delivering several tens of thousands of rounds annually.
Artillery ammunition of 155 mm caliber is of fundamental importance for NATO armed forces – it is regarded as the standard caliber for tube artillery in the Alliance and plays a key role in land operations. It is used in most NATO artillery systems, such as: PzH 2000 (Germany), Krab (Poland), CAESAR (France), Archer (Sweden), M109 Paladin (USA).
155 mm shells can strike targets at distances from 30 to even 70 km, depending on the type of ammunition, with an explosive charge of 9–10 kg of TNT. Standardization facilitates joint actions and interoperability among NATO countries – although it is worth noting that full technical unification has not yet been achieved. Modern variants, such as guided ammunition (for example Excalibur), enable precise strikes from long range.
A “drone wall” will secure the European Union’s eastern flank
On Friday, September 26, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz took part in a videoconference with Andrius Kubilius, the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, and the defence ministers of NATO’s eastern‑flank countries (Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine). The talks focused on the idea of a “drone wall.” The concept includes measures to secure the eastern flank of the European Union.
The Minister of National Defence reported that he fully supported the concept proposed by Kubilius, which – in his view – is very much needed. As he emphasized, all the countries of NATO’s eastern flank must take part in it. He added that the EU commissioner’s proposal mainly includes counter‑drone activities designed to secure the European Union’s eastern flank – including fortifications on land and defense at sea.
– We are facing the greatest pressure – including illegal migration on the European Union’s border and violations of airspace – which means strengthened EU engagement in border defense is necessary. We must clearly prioritize drone and counter‑drone systems to secure the eastern flank. The Union has woken up. The Union is investing in defense. For the first time in history, during the Polish presidency, a program was created to build the defense potential of nation states within the European Union. The concept presented by Commissioner Kubilius includes both a system of fortifications on land, protection at sea, but above all counter‑drone activities to secure the EU’s eastern flank. I believe the commissioner’s initiative is extremely valuable and very necessary. All the countries of NATO’s eastern flank must participate. The Union should launch an entirely new program that includes grants and subsidies, not just loans. Counter‑drone, air defense, and missile defense – these are things we very much need today – said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz after talks with European allies.
– We all see it, we have been fighting it for many years: provocations, violations of the airspace over the countries of the European Union’s eastern flank, which have taken place over Poland and Estonia, but also over the Scandinavian countries – Norway or Denmark. The latest provocations over airports mean that strengthening the European Union’s engagement in the field of security is an absolute necessity. We do not need only loans. It is very good that there is the SAFE program. Poland has the largest funds available within the European Union and they will be well used. We are preparing a whole series of modernization programs – our national ones, but we also want to cooperate with allies in the European Union to invest additionally in our industry and also so that our army, above all, acquires the best equipment. We must clearly prioritize drone and counter‑drone systems – added the Minister of National Defence.
It is worth emphasizing that Ukraine took part in the talks with European partners; it has extensive experience both in building and countering drones. The joint discussions constitute another step and an important platform for talks on creating systems for detecting and neutralizing unmanned aerial vehicles violating the airspace of EU countries. Poland, as the largest beneficiary of European loans, treats the technical modernization of the armed forces in this area as a priority.
It is worth recalling that Poland will use EUR 43.7 billion for this purpose under the SAFE program.
Train with the Army 7 – training for all interested already in October 2025
As announced by the Ministry of National Defence on September 24, 2025, on four consecutive Saturdays in October the Ministry of National Defence and the Polish Armed Forces will conduct another edition of the open, practical, free, and attractive military training project called Train with the Army.
The first training of the 7th edition begins on October 4, 2025, in Kraków. Afterwards, local military units – every week – will be waiting for all interested practically in every corner of the country. You will be able to sign up for training, among other places, in Warsaw, Poznań, Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, Rzeszów, Gliwice, or Gdynia.
The eight‑hour training sessions will be conducted by the best military instructors who will introduce participants to topics including: shooting, grenade throwing, hand‑to‑hand combat, first aid in field conditions, survival in the field, shelter, responding to alarms. There will also be an integration component and military refreshments. We invite you to our tankers, territorials, paratroopers, sailors, logisticians, but also to the military academies and to the military training center. Everyone will find something for themselves here.
The project will run from October 4 to 25, 2025. Registration is open from today – by phone, messenger, SMS, email, or in person – at the designated points in military units. First and last name, age, and contact details are enough. Units invite those aged 15 to 65 with Polish citizenship (only). They provide: training, insurance, meals, but also great Saturday entertainment and an adventure with the Polish Armed Forces.
The training schedule and contact list are available on the MoD website and on the websites of commands and military units.
Train with the Army is basic, short (8‑hour), free, Saturday military training. Conducted in military units by qualified military personnel. It is a pro‑social and pro‑defense initiative. The training plan assumes acquiring basic skills related to security and defense. In the previous six editions and one special edition, about 31,000 Poles took part in the training.
Train with the Army 7 schedule
October 4
- Kraków – 6th Airborne Brigade
October 11
- Poznań – Land Forces Training Center
- Bydgoszcz – 1st Logistics Brigade
October 18
- Toruń – Artillery and Armament Training Center
- Grupa near Grudziądz – Logistics Training Center
- Gdynia – Naval Academy
October 25
- Warsaw – Military University of Technology
- Gliwice – 6th Airborne Brigade
- Rzeszów – 3rd Territorial Defence Brigade
- Wrocław – Land Forces Academy
- Warsaw – 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade
