On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the second day of the 33rd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO at Targi Kielce, Paweł Mateńczuk, the Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Defence for Military Service Conditions, presented an update on Operation Szpej.
Photo: Ministry of National Defence
“Since the start of Operation Szpej, more than 200,000 new Kevlar helmets, 100,000 bulletproof and tactical vests, over 50,000 pieces of optoelectronic equipment, and more than 1 million uniform items have been purchased. The modernization of GROT carbines is underway. In 2024, 3 billion PLN was allocated to Operation Szpej, and for the following years 2026–2027, the planned funding is expected to exceed 5 billion PLN,” said Paweł Mateńczuk, the Plenipotentiary of the Minister of Defence for Military Service Conditions.
Thanks to the team’s work, a so-called Green List is being developed – a list of products authorized by the Ministry of National Defence for private purchase by soldiers as part of their individual equipment. Soldiers, according to their own preferences, will be able to select specific items from the list and buy them, for example using the so-called mundurówka – an annual cash allowance paid for uniforms and other elements of equipment.
“The idea behind these changes,” the plenipotentiary emphasized, “is to make maximum use of the knowledge of soldiers who are passionate about service. Their knowledge and experience will help define the right solutions. Soldiers will be actively involved in the process of selecting equipment.”
As part of building the Green List, a dedicated portal will be created for businesses wishing to submit their products. A group of experts appointed by the Ministry of National Defence to manage the Green List will send selected items of individual soldier equipment for testing at appropriate research centers. The products will undergo an authorization process, with the costs borne by the manufacturer. Upon successful completion, the product will be entered onto the list. In the case of a negative opinion, the manufacturer will receive feedback on what needs to be improved. Items that may be included on the Green List include, for example: tactical glasses, protectors, tactical footwear, tactical belts, gloves, as well as rifle stocks and small drones.
As the plenipotentiary noted, the initial Green List is expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
Full information in the following ministerial video: