East Front News #31: Polish MoD Delegation Visits Ukraine, Piorun MANPADS in Thailand and Defence24 Days 2025 

Poland's EU Presidency and Defence24 Days 2025

 The six-month Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union is marked by prioritization regarding the security of the European Union. Warsaw’s involvement in the collective assessment of defense and signaling areas of interest is key to building a structural structure. Defense24 Days 2025 is the flagship project of the Polish presidency and thus becomes one of the most important conferences on the Old Continent in the field of independent and security-related policy. 

Guided by the motto „Security, Europe!”, Defence24 Days 2025 is designed to advance the key priorities of the Polish EU Presidency by promoting European security and resilience through collaboration and innovation. The conference program will feature an ambitious array of panels, discussions, and workshops focused on cutting-edge topics such as regional security strategies, emerging technologies, and advancements in the defence and military industries. 

By hosting Defence24 Days 2025 as an official event of its EU Presidency, Poland reaffirms its leadership in shaping Europe’s defence and security priorities. The conference is a testament to Poland’s vision of collective security and its commitment to driving innovation, modernization, and collaboration across the EU. The importance of the event is emphasized by the conference’s location at the National Stadium. 

Sentence for Wagner members detained in Poland

Last year, two people were arrested in Poland, accused of participating in the Russian Wagner Group. Andrei G. and Alexey T. were supposed to have distributed recruitment stickers in Krakow and the capital city, which directed potential recruits to the Wagner Group structures. They also hung up posters criticizing the policy of the European Union. 

The Krakow prosecutor’s office believes that the men were operating in an organized group and were recruiting for it, which is why the defendants were charged with espionage for the intelligence service of the Russian Federation (Foreign Intelligence Service). Andrei G. and Alexey T. did not admit to these charges, not denying that they were behind the distribution of the stickers. Prosecutor Tomasz Dudek requested eight years of imprisonment for both defendants, justifying such a sentence by placing it in the broader geopolitical situation that threatens Poland. The final verdict is to be announced in February 2025. 

The accused have repeatedly stressed that their actions were the result of a difficult financial situation, but the prosecutor has stressed that one of the accused was only two people away from Putin. The difficulty in establishing an appropriate punishment results from the lack of an appropriate legal provision penalizing participation in hybrid warfare. 

This situation is a broader trend in which the Russian Federation uses both its services and individuals unrelated to the Russian apparatus but who fit into its rhetoric as part of hybrid activities. This is particularly important in an election year in Poland, because it should be assumed that the Russian Federation will maximize its disinformation and propaganda efforts in the Polish infosphere. 

Konrad Gołota Appointed as Undersecretary of State for Defence Sector

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has appointed Konrad Gołota as the new Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of State Assets (MAP). In his new role, Gołota will oversee companies in the defence sector, a crucial responsibility given the current geopolitical situation and Poland’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces and defence capabilities. 

Gołota’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the defence industry, which is central to Poland’s national security strategy. His task will include ensuring effective management and coordination of state-owned defence enterprises, promoting innovation, and strengthening the country’s defence production capacity. Additionally, he will play a key role in fostering strategic partnerships with both domestic and international defence stakeholders. 

With extensive experience in public administration and a focus on strategic industries, Konrad Gołota is expected to bring a forward-thinking approach to his role. His leadership will be instrumental in maintaining the momentum of Poland’s defence modernisation initiatives and securing the country’s long-term defence preparedness.

Piorun MANPADS in Thailand

The Polish company Mesko S.A. demonstrated the Piorun MANPADS shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile launcher during a visit to the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Thailand.

The visit of the Polish company’s delegation took place in Bangkok on February 3, during which the capabilities of the PPZR Piorun system were showcased. The Thai Armed Forces currently use Russian Igla-S launchers in this category of equipment, which are inferior to the Mesko product in terms of air target engagement capabilities. Thai short-range air defense is supplemented by British Starstreak systems. Following the demonstration, Mesko’s delegation participated in a business and trade discussion session.

Polish MoD Delegation Visits Ukraine. Will Export Deals Happen?

The visit of representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the management of the Polish arms industry to Ukraine has come to an end. The meetings included the signing of letters of intent between Polish and Ukrainian arms companies.

Monday’s visit of the Polish delegation to Ukraine had several objectives. According to information provided by the Ministry of Defence, the aim of the Polish delegation to Ukraine was, among other things, to help establish contacts between Polish and Ukrainian arms companies and to enable them to find a platform to discuss possible joint projects. In addition, the Ministry of Defence was keen to present the sales offer proposed by Polish arms companies.

British Engineers to Support the Polish Border Fortification

British engineering forces may become involved in the construction of Eastern Shield. The extent of possible Polish-British cooperation was discussed during the recent visit of the 8th Engineering Brigade of the UK Armed Forces to Orzysz.

A working visit by the commander of the 8th Engineering Brigade of the UK Armed Forces, Brigadier Simon Carvel, took place at the end of January.

As we read on the Polish Armed Forces website, the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Polish-British cooperation in the area of military engineering. The possibility of involving British engineering troops in the implementation of the Eastern Shield programme was also considered.

Polish Armored Fist on guard in Latvia (INTERVIEW)

What does the service of Polish tank soldiers in Latvia look like as part of the NATO mission? Do the Leopard 2PL tanks sent there for the first time prove themselves on Latvian training grounds? This and much more in the Defence24 report from the military base in Ādaži.

The Polish Military Contingent in Latvia has been an essential part of the NATO battle group since its beginning, commanded by Canada, the NATO eFP framework nation. At the Ādaži military base, the Defence24 camera had the opportunity to observe the daily service of Polish soldiers from the 11th Lubuska Armoured Cavalry Division (10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade from Świętoszów), who are there as part of the 16th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent.

Drones and Counter-UAS Systems Sought for the Eastern Shield. Armed Forces Invite the Bidders

The Polish Ministry of Defence is seeking external ideas that could contribute to a more effective defence of Poland’s border.

The MoD’s Innovation Department has announced the launch of testing for technical solutions that could be used in the operation „Shield East”.

Wilga Aircraft in Combat Variant?

Group of entities involved in the development programme regarding an aircraft derived from the PZL-104 Wilga is growing. The new aircraft named Draco is to offer a unique set of capabilities, and even serve in a military setting.

On 3rd February, a letter of intent was signed regarding cooperation in development and design. The parties involved include: Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation, MZL (Łukasiewicz-ILOT subsidiary). and Draco Aircraft sp. z o.o. The latter was founded in 2023, specifically to manufacture the aircraft in question. The idea is based around Mike Patey’s design - he created a similar aircraft basing it on Wilga 2000.

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.

Aleksander Olech, PhD & Jakub Palowski, Deputy Ed. in Chief, Michał Górski