Poland and Slovakia sign defence industry co-operation agreement

Rosomak 8×8 armoured personnel carrier armed with Turra 30 mm turret. (PGZ)

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák signed a defence industry co-operation agreement on 24 February, the Slovak Ministry of Defence announced later the same day.

The agreement is based on four possible areas of co-operation: production of 155 mm artillery shells, Slovak procurement of the Polish Piorun manportable air-defence system (MANPADS), joint production of the Polish Rosomak armoured vehicle with a Slovak turret, and Slovak procurement of the South Korean K2 main battle tank that will be produced in Poland.

Kaliňák said, “The defence self-sufficiency of each country comes first. We must develop not only our military and defence capabilities, but also our production capabilities so that we are able to supply all military units in the event of a threat and conflict.”

For more information on a procurement programme Slovakia could join, please see Update: European countries jointly procure Piorun MANPADS .