MSPO defense show set for record scale as Poland expands arms spending

This year’s International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce will be the largest in its history, with more than 1,200 exhibitors expected, including nearly 200 from Canada.

Andrzej Mochoń, president of Targi Kielce, said the exhibitor count would rise by more than 40 percent from last year’s 812. A new 273-meter hall, with 18,500 square meters of usable space, made the expansion possible. Organizers still had to add two temporary halls, bringing the exhibition to 11 halls covering 49,000 square meters.

The show also plans a substantial conference program, with 71 events. Two will focus on Ukraine and include representatives of the company producing Flamingo missiles, as well as senior government guests. Uncrewed systems will be another major theme, covering airborne drones, naval drones and ground vehicles equipped to strike opponents.

Mochoń said Canada’s unusually large presence reflected Ottawa’s interest in the SAFE program and the opportunities for cooperation with Polish companies. Canadian exhibitors include niche firms whose products have no Polish equivalents, he said. Canada will be the exhibition’s lead national participant this year, following earlier appearances by Germany, the United States, South Korea, Turkey, France, Italy, Norway and Britain.

The Canadian delegation is expected to include the country’s defense minister. The program will emphasize bilateral business talks and a conference on Polish-Canadian cooperation. Poland’s state defense group, PGZ, will bring a prototype heavy infantry fighting vehicle designed to carry soldiers and fight alongside tanks. Unlike the amphibious Borsuk, the new vehicle is more heavily armored.