Polish Ministry of Defence: We Need Slovakia's Cooperation in Ammunition Production

Accompanied by Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak, Kosiniak-Kamysz visited Bratislava on Friday, where he met with Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák.

“We are together in the European Union, together in NATO. We are strong partners. We want to develop the defense industry jointly with you, as you are our strategic partner in this field,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “I am highly impressed with Slovakia’s production capabilities in ammunition manufacturing, especially 155mm, but also other types,” he added.

The minister announced plans to initiate work on a Polish-Slovak intergovernmental agreement for strategic cooperation in the defense industry. Before the agreement is signed, representatives of Poland’s defence sector will visit Slovakia. “Acquiring the capability to produce large-caliber ammunition on a large scale is a key issue for us in the industry today. This goal cannot be achieved without Slovakia’s partnership. I am convinced of this. I know that you are our primary partner,” he stated.

Kosiniak-Kamysz also noted the involvement of a company contracted by the Polish government to supply ammunition, expressing confidence in its ability to develop new capabilities in collaboration with the Slovak defense industry. Early next week, the minister is scheduled to discuss the matter with PGZ leadership, who are set to visit Slovakia in the coming days. Kosiniak-Kamysz pledged to personally oversee that PGZ companies, including Mesko, sign bilateral agreements with Slovak businesses promptly.

“There is no simpler path here, than transferring these technologies from Slovakia: they are the closest and the most open in this regard. From the perspective of safeguarding Poland’s national budget, this could also be the most advantageous offer,” he assessed.

Kosiniak-Kamysz added that Slovakia has also expressed interest in Polish defence products, such as drones, training cooperation involving Leopard tanks, and Poland’s new forms of military service, like voluntary basic military service and the active reserve. Head of the Polish MoD highlighted existing collaboration between Polish and Slovak special forces, as well as the participation of Polish pilots in Air Policing missions over Slovakia. “Protecting shared values and the airspace of EU and NATO countries remains our priority. We are ready to deepen cooperation in soldier training and experience exchange. I invited Slovakia to join the Eastern Shield initiative,” said the Defence Minister. He also praised Slovak engineering troops and shared Slovakia’s assurance of support for Poland in case of any threat. “I gave the same assurance on behalf of Poland,” he concluded.