Polishness of companies benefiting from defense contracts measured by jobs, author argues

A debate has ignited in Poland concerning the national identity of companies benefiting from the government's defense procurement program, SAFE. The discussion intensified after visualizations of defense projects, like the Hydrograf, were presented in German colors, and the Polish Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle faced similar scrutiny.

Critics, particularly on social media platforms, have highlighted that not all companies awarded SAFE contracts are Polish. They point to PZL Mielec, owned by the American firm Lockheed Martin, and PZL Świdnik, owned by Italy's Leonardo, as examples of foreign entities receiving state funds. Concerns have also been raised about the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), with accusations that it might use SAFE funds for excessive bonuses for itself and political allies.

However, the author of the article argues for a broader definition of "Polishness" in the context of these companies. While acknowledging the importance of formal legal ownership, the author questions whether focusing solely on foreign ownership overlooks significant economic contributions. The piece poses a rhetorical question: "Do American and Italian dwarves work in these 'non-Polish' plants?" suggesting that the employees are Polish and benefit from the jobs created.

The article contends that a more nuanced perspective is needed, moving beyond a simplistic "ours versus theirs" mentality, reminiscent of a "medieval peasant's" view. It suggests that "Polishness" should also be measured by where these companies are located, the employment they provide to Polish citizens, and the intellectual potential they foster within Poland. The author implies that the collapse of companies like Świdnik or Mielec due to a lack of orders would have severe consequences for local employment, making their continued operation, even under foreign ownership, a form of Polish benefit.