MSPO is one of the most important gatherings for the European defence community, bringing together industry, governments and armed forces to discuss the capabilities and partnerships that will shape future security. As Babcock returns to Kielce, we do so with a strong commitment to supporting Poland’s defence modernisation through sovereign capability, collaboration and investment in skills and industry.
Poland’s role at the heart of European and NATO security presents significant opportunities for defence cooperation. Babcock is proud to be working alongside the PGZ-Miecznik Consortium on its frigate programme, based on our Arrowhead 140 platform. With the first of three ships, ORP Wicher recently floating off for the first time, Miecznik is demonstrating how international collaboration can deliver advanced naval capability while developing local skills, knowledge and industrial capacity.
For Babcock, programmes such as Miecznik are about more than platforms. Through the transfer of knowledge and technology (TOKAT), they help develop local supply chains, create highly skilled employment and build long-term industrial resilience. Combining international expertise with sovereign industrial participation creates enduring capability while delivering economic value. An approach that we are excited to mirror through prospective naval shipbuilding opportunities in countries such as Denmark and New Zealand.
As security requirements evolve, integrated and adaptable military capabilities are becoming increasingly important. Future fleets are likely to combine crewed platforms, autonomous systems and digital technologies to enhance operational effectiveness. Through our Autonomous and Remote Maritime Operational Response Force (ARMOR Force) approach, hybrid naval architectures can connect crewed command vessels with autonomous systems to deliver greater flexibility and capability.
Our collaborative approach extends beyond the maritime domain. We have partnered with Airbus and CAE to offer a comprehensive military helicopter and training solution for Poland, combining Airbus’ H145M platform, CAE’s simulation expertise and Babcock’s training and support experience. We have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL 1) to explore the development of a joint helicopter sustainment and support centre, alongside a technical training facility designed to strengthen long-term capability and readiness.
The challenges facing allied nations are increasingly shared, making collaboration more important than ever. Whether through Miecznik, our aviation partnerships or broader industrial cooperation, the most effective solutions will come through partnerships that combine national priorities with international expertise.
As we look ahead to MSPO, Babcock is committed to helping customers build resilient, integrated and future-ready defence capabilities while supporting sovereign industrial growth, skills development and stronger partnerships across NATO and allied nations. We look forward to discussing how, together, we can continue to strengthen defence capability and industrial resilience..