The second day of the exhibition included a debate on the prospects for co-operation between the military and the arms industry. Organized by Redakcja Wojskowa, the seminar The Needs of the Armed Forces vs. the Capacity of the Arms Industry featured three main thematic blocks.

Representatives of the different Armed Forces formations presented their expectations with regard to obtaining new equipment and co-operating with industry.

The first, broadest group concerned the needs of the different Armed Forces formations in the context of ongoing armaments programmes and planned changes in the system for obtaining new equipment. This new system, which comes into force as of 1 January 2009, was presented by Col. Krzysztof Bielawski. An extensive presentation of the expectations of the Air Force, especially in the context of a comprehensive replacement of weapons systems, was offered by Gen. Anatol Czaban.

The seminar was a forum for the exchange of views between the Armed Forces and representatives of the defence industry.

Representatives of different formations outlined their visions: Col. Tomasz Jakusz (Air Defence), Cdre Krzysztof Marciniak and Cdre Grzegorz Kultys (Navy). The Navy’s representatives focused on the special nature of new operations faced by Polish ships and the need to adjust naval technology to current requirements.

The French experience was presented by Col. Pierre-Jean Lassalle. The seminar’s participants heard how the expectations of the French military are reconciled with the defence industry’s capacity.

Gen. Anatol Czaban presented the main directions of the Air Force’s development.

The seminar concluded with a presentation about the role of the research and development sector in the Polish Armed Forces’ efforts to obtain weaponry. The seminar was planned as a platform for representatives of the arms industry and different military formations to exchange views.

Photos: Jakub Link-Lenczowski