Kyiv and Warsaw plan to develop a joint defense industry model

Ukraine and Poland are forging a closer strategic partnership in defense manufacturing, signaling a significant step towards bolstering Ukraine's industrial capacity and deepening European integration in the defense sector. Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's Strategic Advisor, revealed plans to develop a joint defense industry model with Poland, expressing optimism that at least 10 joint Ukrainian-European defense companies will be established within the year. This initiative builds on existing cooperation, such as the first joint factory already operational in Germany.

“

Kyiv hopes that this year at least 10 joint Ukrainian-European defense companies will be established in Europe.

The recent conference in Rzeszów served as a crucial preparatory stage for the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026) in Gdańsk. Kamyshin highlighted that while joint projects with Poland are still being sought, both nations are actively exploring avenues for collaboration. Intensive negotiations are underway, with the aim of facilitating mutual understanding and identifying concrete areas where the defense industries can synergize. The Rzeszów meeting, supported by Poland's government plenipotentiary for Ukraine's reconstruction, Pawel Kowalis, is seen as a positive stride towards this objective.

“

Unfortunately, we do not yet have many joint projects with Poland. Both we and Poland are looking for ways to implement this.

Ukraine's ambition is to have a "Polish model" of defense cooperation finalized and ready for announcement at the Gdańsk conference. This suggests a desire for a structured and mutually beneficial framework that can be replicated. The expectation is that initial agreements for joint projects will be signed during the URC 2026, marking a tangible outcome of these diplomatic and industrial discussions. The conference itself is slated to cover five main thematic areas and is expected to draw significant international participation, including delegations from approximately 100 countries.

“

We held a round of negotiations yesterday, and today we will hold another one, the purpose of which is to help both industrial sectors find ways of cooperation.

From a Ukrainian perspective, this collaboration is vital not only for immediate defense needs but also for long-term economic recovery and integration into European security structures. While Western media might focus on military aid, Ukraine's emphasis on joint industrial production highlights its strategic goal of becoming a self-sufficient defense manufacturer and a key player in the European defense landscape. This partnership with Poland is particularly significant, given Poland's role as a frontline NATO state and its strong support for Ukraine. The development of a "Polish model" signifies a tailored approach that acknowledges the specific needs and capabilities of both nations, aiming to create a robust and resilient defense industrial base.

“

In this way, we will have the first agreements signed in Gdańsk.