European Union Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius visited Poland on Friday to discuss expanding Europe’s defence industry, including increased production of ammunition and missile systems, as the bloc responds to growing security threats.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz z komisarzem ds. obrony i przestrzeni kosmicznej UE Andriusem KubiliusemAnita Walczewska/East News
During the visit, Kubilius met with Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. They toured MESKO S.A.’s facilities in Skarżysko-Kamienna, a major Polish defence manufacturer that produces the Piorun man-portable air-defence system.
Kubilius’s trip to Poland is part of the EU’s so-called „Missiles Mission,” an initiative aimed at rapidly increasing the bloc’s weapons production capacity in response to mounting geopolitical threats.
Kubilius has warned that Europe must act quickly to strengthen its defences, citing intelligence assessments that Russia could be ready within several years to threaten NATO’s eastern flank, including the Baltic states and Poland.
„Russia really is a threat. We must be ready to defend ourselves,” Kubilius said in an earlier interview with Polish Radio.
Talks in Warsaw also focused on the EU’s €150 billion SAFE loan facility for defence investments, under which Poland is expected to receive nearly €44 billion. Kubilius said boosting the European defence industry would strengthen the continent’s security and help support Ukraine.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the MESKO facility, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that developing Poland’s air defence capabilities is one of the government’s top priorities.
„We see this clearly in Ukraine. It is necessary to defend against drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles,” he said. „The same lessons can be drawn from conflicts in the Middle East.”
According to the Polish defence minister, current production capacity in both Europe and the United States is insufficient to meet growing demand for advanced air defence systems.
„For us, drone systems, anti-drone capabilities and long-range, precise air defence are absolute priorities,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Kubilius added that Poland could play an important role in expanding interceptor missile production in Europe, which faces significant shortages. He cited remarks by Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, who recently said Europe needs to increase missile defence production by up to 400%.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR; PAP
Radio Poland