Poland prioritises air defence systems, deputy PM says
The Polish government sees the development of the country's air defence systems as a priority, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz made the statement during a joint visit with EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius to defence manufacturer Mesko S.A. in the central Polish city of Skarzysko-Kamienna on Friday.
Among other products, Mesko manufactures the short-range portable anti-aircraft missile system Piorun, which has been successfully used by Ukrainian forces against Russian aircraft and drones during the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference at the facility, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the key purpose of Kubilius' visits to European countries was to promote the development of air defence production.
Agreeing with the purpose of Kubilius' tour, Kosiniak Kamysz said: "We can see it in Ukraine. We need to defend ourselves against drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The same is true in the Middle East. All conflicts in the world today show that..."
Kosiniak-Kamysz claimed that relying solely on possible imports from the United States and Europe would not be sufficient, and that is why the government's main priority is to expand Poland's air defence capabilities.
"Drone systems, anti-drone systems, long-range and precision air defence are absolutely our priorities," he said, adding that Poland was looking to cooperate with Ukraine in this area, citing Kyiv's experience gained during the war with Russia. (PAP)
jd/jch
