Defence industry investment in Poland: Kongsberg, Narew and PIT-RADWAR expand production

Defence industry investment in Poland is accelerating, with three major projects announced or advanced in October 2026. Norway’s Kongsberg plans to invest over PLN 200 million in a counter-drone systems facility in northern Poland, MESKO is implementing a PLN 360.3 million missile component production project, and PIT-RADWAR is upgrading its manufacturing plant near Wrocław for nearly PLN 90 million net. These projects demonstrate Poland’s growing role as a defence manufacturing location and create potential opportunities for domestic and international suppliers.

Defence industry investment in Poland includes both new manufacturing facilities developed by international defence companies and the expansion of existing Polish production sites. Recent projects show how Poland’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities are translating into capital expenditure on industrial infrastructure, technology and employment.

For businesses considering operations in Poland, the implications extend beyond rising military procurement. Investment in defence manufacturing also generates demand for industrial components, specialised machinery, electronics and engineering services.

Kongsberg to invest over PLN 200 million in a counter-drone systems factory in Poland

On 13 October 2026, Norwegian defence group Kongsberg Gruppen announced plans to establish a production and maintenance facility for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) in Poland’s Pomeranian Voivodeship, near the Tri-City metropolitan area.

The investment will exceed PLN 200 million (approximately EUR 45 million), and the facility is expected to create more than 100 permanent jobs once it reaches full production capacity. The precise factory location has not yet been disclosed.

The new facility will support Poland’s SAN counter-drone defence programme. It is also expected to become part of Kongsberg’s international manufacturing network, potentially serving other European customers in the future.

According to the company’s proposed schedule:

• The construction contract is expected to be signed by the end of 2026.
• Construction work is scheduled to begin after the contract is concluded.
• Serial production could commence in the first half of 2028.

Kongsberg has operated in Poland for more than 15 years, working with the domestic defence industry on projects including support for Naval Strike Missile anti-ship missile systems. The new investment will expand its Polish operations into counter-drone systems manufacturing.

For international investors, the project demonstrates that Poland can serve not only as a market for defence technologies but also as a manufacturing base supplying customers across Europe.

Narew programme: over PLN 360 million for missile component manufacturing in Poland

Poland is simultaneously expanding its domestic manufacturing capabilities for air defence systems.

On 2 October 2026, MESKO, a subsidiary of the Polish Armaments Group (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, PGZ), signed an agreement with a consortium comprising FB Antczak and EBS BUD for the first phase of production infrastructure development under the Narew programme.

The total value of MESKO’s project is PLN 360.3 million, including PLN 304.4 million in funding from the Capital Investment Fund. The project is scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2030.

The investment involves establishing production capabilities for CAMM-ER missile propulsion systems and warheads. Implementation requires industrial infrastructure development, the acquisition of specialised equipment and technology transfer. British defence company MBDA is an important partner in the programme, working with Polish manufacturers to develop missile system technologies.

For the Polish economy, the gradual transfer of manufacturing expertise to domestic facilities is particularly significant. It strengthens local technological capabilities and enables Polish companies to participate in complex industrial projects.

PIT-RADWAR invests nearly PLN 90 million in its manufacturing facility near Wrocław

Another example of Poland’s expanding defence manufacturing sector is the modernisation of PIT-RADWAR’s facility in Czernica, Lower Silesia.

On 2 October 2026, the company signed an agreement with KDM Group for the first phase of the investment, covering design and construction work valued at nearly PLN 21 million net.

Total investment in the facility is expected to reach nearly PLN 90 million net. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the project includes the purchase and installation of more than 100 specialised machines and devices, including CNC milling machines, presses, lathes and environmental test chambers.

The modernisation supports orders under the Narew, Pilica and SAN programmes. According to announcements by the Polish Armaments Group, employment at the facility is expected to increase by nearly 50%. Construction work is scheduled for completion in the second half of September 2027, followed by the delivery and commissioning of new machinery. PIT-RADWAR expects the entire investment to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.

An important aspect of the project is the involvement of a Polish contractor and plans to expand cooperation with local suppliers. The investment could therefore generate additional orders for companies beyond those directly involved in weapons manufacturing.

Major defence industry investments in Poland: project comparison

The following table compares the scale and implementation schedules of the three projects based on information available in October 2026.

The investment figures cover different project scopes. The PIT-RADWAR amount is stated net of VAT.

Why is Poland attracting investment in the defence industry?

The expansion of defence manufacturing in Poland is closely linked to long-term modernisation programmes for the Polish Armed Forces and the need to strengthen domestic technological and production capabilities.

Kongsberg’s project also highlights the importance of international industrial cooperation. The Norwegian group is developing a facility intended to fulfil Polish defence orders while potentially supplying other European customers.

Meanwhile, the MESKO and PIT-RADWAR projects demonstrate that expanding defence production requires investment in infrastructure, manufacturing equipment and technology transfer, rather than simply securing new weapons supply contracts.

For investors, a significant development is the growing number of projects requiring long-term manufacturing, maintenance and technological capabilities. This could support industrial cooperation in sectors that are not directly involved in weapons production.

What opportunities do defence industry investments in Poland create for foreign companies?

The expansion of defence manufacturing facilities could increase demand for suppliers of industrial machinery, automation systems, electronics, precision metalworking and engineering services.

For international businesses considering investment and business operations in Poland, three areas may be particularly relevant: supplying components to domestic manufacturers, establishing their own production capabilities and developing technology partnerships with companies participating in defence programmes.

However, entering the defence industry supply chain requires a careful assessment of the requirements associated with individual contracts. Depending on the type of business activity, relevant considerations may include licensing, information security requirements, export controls on strategic goods and customer-specific quality standards.

Before making an investment decision, companies should therefore assess not only market size and workforce availability but also regulatory requirements, potential contract structures and opportunities to establish partnerships with existing manufacturers.

Will Poland’s defence industry continue to attract investment?

The projects announced or advanced in October 2026 indicate further expansion of the sector’s manufacturing capacity. However, these announcements alone do not establish the future total value of defence investments or the number of new facilities that may be developed.

Kongsberg, MESKO and PIT-RADWAR represent three different development models: foreign direct investment in manufacturing, the development of domestic missile production capabilities and the modernisation of an existing industrial facility.

Together, they demonstrate that Poland’s defence industry is becoming an important destination for capital investment, technology partnerships and the development of industrial supply chains. For international companies, it is a sector worth considering when assessing investment opportunities and manufacturing operations in Poland.