UK-Polish Partnership Honored for Strengthening European Security through Ammunition Production
WARSAW – The British Embassy in Warsaw and the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) have jointly bestowed the inaugural “British-Polish Collaboration Award” upon the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and BAE Systems. The award recognizes the two defense companies for their industrial partnership focused on the production of 155mm artillery ammunition, a crucial endeavor aimed at bolstering both Polish national and broader European security.
Established last year, the annual award seeks to highlight significant contributions to the trade and investment relationship between the United Kingdom and Poland. A jury comprising senior figures from the British Embassy and the BPCC selected PGZ and BAE Systems specifically for their collaborative efforts to expand domestic ammunition output in Poland, leveraging British technical expertise alongside Polish manufacturing capabilities.
This recognition closely follows a broader defense partnership agreement signed by Poland and the United Kingdom in London earlier this week, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties. Both governments have increasingly prioritized closer security cooperation across Europe, a trend significantly accelerated by geopolitical developments in the region.
Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, underscored the growing economic bonds between the two nations. “The economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Poland is stronger today than ever before,” Ambassador Simmons stated. “The second edition of the UK–Poland Business Awards demonstrates how dynamically and on multiple fronts our cooperation is developing — from growing direct investment and trade to joint initiatives in energy transition, new technologies, and security. The recipients of these awards perfectly illustrate the ambition and potential of our cooperation.”
The 155mm artillery round has emerged as one of the most critical and sought-after munitions in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Allied states across the continent have initiated urgent programs to rebuild depleted stockpiles and substantially increase production rates, which had declined significantly during decades of reduced demand following the end of the Cold War. Poland, strategically located on the eastern flank of NATO and sharing borders with Ukraine and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, has embarked on one of the most ambitious military expansion and modernization programs in Europe over the past three years.
Miroslaw Janicki, Director of BAE Systems Poland, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “We are honoured to be recognised in such a positive way alongside our friends at PGZ,” Janicki commented. “As Poland’s proven defence partner, BAE Systems remains dedicated to the mission of helping to ensure national security through the provision of 155mm artillery ammunition in great quantities and high quality to meet our nation’s objectives.”
The strategic partnership between BAE Systems and PGZ was formalized in September 2024 with the objective of constructing a new 155mm artillery ammunition manufacturing facility in Poland. This collaborative arrangement is designed not only to boost the production of standard artillery shells but also to facilitate broader cooperation on a wider array of munitions and components, including the manufacture of energetics. This expanded scope is supported by a comprehensive program of knowledge and technology transfer between the two partners, aiming to enhance Poland’s indigenous defense industrial capabilities.
Adam Leszkiewicz, President of the Management Board of PGZ S.A., highlighted the reciprocal benefits of the collaboration. “We are delighted that the British Embassy and the BPCC appreciate the collaboration between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and BAE Systems, as evidenced by today’s award,” Leszkiewicz said. “This is an example of collaboration with a foreign partner – on the one hand, we are benefiting from BAE Systems’ vast experience and know-how, and on the other, we are opening a path to the British market, where we can introduce our explosives production technologies. I am confident that this collaboration will continue to develop in a direction beneficial to both sides and, above all, the Polish Armed Forces and the Polish defence industry.” The partnership is thus positioned as a two-way exchange, offering PGZ access to advanced British defense technology while potentially providing BAE Systems and the UK market with specialized Polish expertise in energetics manufacturing.
The award underscores the growing strategic alignment between the UK and Poland in defense and industrial cooperation, particularly in response to the evolving security landscape in Eastern Europe. The joint venture aims to enhance supply chain resilience, contribute to NATO’s readiness, and ensure a more robust defense posture for Poland and its allies.
Why This Matters
This award and the underlying industrial partnership between PGZ and BAE Systems hold significant implications for European security, defense industrial policy, and bilateral relations between the UK and Poland:
- Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank: Poland is a frontline state in NATO, bordering both Ukraine and Russia. Its rapid military modernization and increased domestic production capacity for critical munitions like 155mm artillery shells directly contribute to the deterrence capabilities of the Alliance, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. A robust Polish defense industry lessens reliance on external supply chains during a crisis.
- Addressing Critical Ammunition Shortages: The conflict in Ukraine has exposed severe deficiencies in Western military stockpiles and production capacities for conventional ammunition. This partnership is a concrete step towards rectifying these shortages, ensuring that NATO members and potentially Ukraine have access to necessary supplies. It signifies a broader European effort to re-industrialize defense manufacturing.
- Deepening UK-Poland Strategic Ties: The “British-Polish Collaboration Award” and the high-level defense agreements underscore a strengthening strategic partnership between the UK and Poland. Both countries are proactive in supporting Ukraine and perceive Russia as a significant threat. This collaboration is a practical manifestation of their shared security interests, moving beyond rhetoric to tangible industrial cooperation.
- Enhancing Defense Industrial Base: For Poland, this partnership means not just increased production, but also critical technology and knowledge transfer from a leading global defense contractor. This will enhance PGZ’s capabilities, create skilled jobs, and reduce Poland’s long-term reliance on foreign suppliers for critical defense items, fostering greater strategic autonomy. For BAE Systems, it expands its European footprint and strengthens its position as a key partner in NATO’s defense industrial efforts.
- Resilience in Supply Chains: By establishing new manufacturing capabilities within Europe, the partnership contributes to diversifying and securing defense supply chains, making them less vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions and single points of failure. This is a crucial lesson learned from recent global events.
In essence, this collaboration is a vital component of Europe’s response to a more volatile security environment, transforming political alignment into practical industrial cooperation that underpins collective defense and resilience.