On October 14, 2026, the International Congress Centre in Katowice will host the “Industry for Defense” conference, bringing together representatives from industry, public administration, finance, R&D centers, and the military. The event will focus on leveraging unprecedented defense investments to build lasting industrial capabilities.
The conference agenda centers on how to transform increased defense spending into sustainable manufacturing and technological expertise. Key topics include expanding ammunition production, enhancing electronics manufacturing, developing unmanned systems, and advancing digital technologies critical to national security.
Poland’s industrial base faces a historic opportunity to integrate with defense supply chains. The conference will explore concrete pathways for local companies to participate in strategic security programs, from dual-use innovations to large-scale production of military-grade components.
Building industrial competence from defense investments
One of the core debates will address how Polish firms can shift from subcontracting to becoming prime contractors in defense projects. Panelists will examine models for public-private partnerships and the role of financial instruments such as the European Defence Fund and national investment programs.
– The scale of funding now available requires a structured approach to skill development and production capacity – said Anna Kowalska, defense industry analyst at a Warsaw-based think tank. – Without parallel investment in R&D and workforce training, the money may not translate into long-term competitive advantage.
Dual-use technologies and digital innovation
Another major theme is the development of technologies applicable to both civilian and military markets. Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced materials will be highlighted as areas where Poland can build global niches.
The conference will be co-located with three specialized events: the Forum of New Industry, the TOOLEX International Fair of Machine Tools, Tools and Processing Technology, and the ExpoWELDING International Welding Fair. This combination creates a unique platform where industrial practitioners meet defense decision-makers.
Industry meets military: a synergy platform
Organizers expect over a thousand participants, including representatives from the Ministry of National Defence, the Armament Agency, and leading Polish conglomerates such as PGZ and WB Group. Small and medium enterprises will have dedicated sessions to learn about certification, supply chain integration, and access to procurement databases.
– We are creating a space where a small innovative company can present its drone navigation system to the same audience as established arms manufacturers – said Marek Nowak, director of the “Industry for Defense” conference. – This is the kind of networking that turns ideas into contracts.
The event is part of a broader trend across Europe where defense spending is increasingly treated as an industrial policy tool. For Poland, which already allocates over 4% of GDP to defense, the conference aims to ensure that every zloty spent also strengthens the domestic economy.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PTWP
