During the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, the American company General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) announced the signing of eight agreements with industrial partners operating in Poland for the supply of spare parts for Abrams tanks. The agreements cover a total of 52 unique components used in Abrams tanks and represent another step in developing long-term cooperation with the Polish defense industry.
The Polish government has ordered a total of 366 Abrams main battle tanks. So far, all 116 ordered M1A1FEP Abrams tanks have been delivered and entered service with the Polish Land Forces. In addition, 47 of the 250 Abrams SEPv3 tanks have been delivered. The first delivery arrived in Poland in January 2025, and the completion of deliveries is planned for autumn 2026. GDLS representatives emphasize that the company is operating at the fastest delivery pace in the tank production sector.
Location of the Polish partners currently involved in the production of components for Abrams tanks / Illustration: GDLS
To ensure the high combat readiness of the growing fleet of Abrams tanks in Poland, GDLS and Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne (WZM) are expanding the capabilities of the Regional Center of Competence in Poznań. WZM has been designated by the Ministry of National Defence as the Polish defence-industry entity responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of M1 Abrams tanks operated by the Polish Armed Forces. GDLS continues to work with WZM as a strategic partner in building and implementing these capabilities. In May 2025, WZM and GDLS signed a framework agreement to support the growing fleet of Abrams tanks in Poland, as well as tanks operated by other users in the European region (Signing of the strategic partnership agreement between WZM and GDLS).
The first step under the framework agreement between WZM and GDLS was the launch of an industrial-sector training program, which has been underway since June 2025. The training program, conducted by GDLS specialists, aims to ensure the highest standards of technical servicing and operational readiness.
In April this year, BAE Systems and WZM signed a licensing agreement to support the fleet of M88A2 recovery vehicles, also purchased and operated by the Polish Land Forces. Support for the M88A2 fleet will likewise be provided at the Regional Center of Competence located within WZM (Agreement between WZM and BAE Systems regarding the M88A2 HERCULES).
Equally important for establishing service capabilities and maintaining the Abrams fleet in Poland is the further development of the domestic supplier base. GDLS is actively involved in expanding its supplier network in Poland. In 2023, GDLS organized a three-day supplier conference attended by more than 80 Polish companies, each of which had the opportunity to present its capabilities and portfolio to GDLS. As a result of these efforts, in 2024 the company placed its first purchase orders with three Polish firms: GGG, Dutron and IWAMET.
At MSPO 2025, GDLS proudly announced the signing of new agreements with eight Polish companies for the production and delivery of 52 different components for Abrams tanks.
“Today’s agreements are further confirmation of our commitment to Poland,” said Christopher Brown, Vice President of Global Strategy and International Business Development at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Together with our partners, we are building real production and service capabilities that will enable the further integration of Polish industry into the global Abrams supply chain into the future.” He further noted that these incremental yet crucial steps create tangible opportunities for potential joint production of Abrams main battle tanks, allowing Poland to achieve a leading position within NATO’s armored coalition.
GDLS representatives emphasize that Polish companies have been incorporated into the supply network for the production of all Abrams tanks. The training center for technical personnel supporting Abrams tanks will also train personnel from other countries in the region should they choose this type of main battle tank. WZM will serve as a regional service hub, also handling the maintenance of US Army Abrams tanks stationed in Poland.