Defence & Space

Hanwha to deliver K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the US Army

Hanwha Defense US, the US subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, will deliver six K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt integrate Twinvis passive radar with air defense system

German defense group Rheinmetall AG and Hensoldt have announced that, during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise, they demonstrated…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

ICEYE Federation: How can the effectiveness of national satellite constellations be increased?

In recent years, ICEYE has been increasingly developing its portfolio of services aimed at military customers. This European company, which builds satellites…

2026-06-17 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 14 minutes

MSBS Grot: A Polish firearm with its own DNA

The MSBS Grot is a family of carbines and rifles developed by Polish engineers, the military, and users who gradually shaped its…

2026-06-14 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 12 minutes

Hanwha to deliver K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the US Army

Hanwha Defense US, the US subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, will deliver six K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt integrate Twinvis passive radar with air defense system

German defense group Rheinmetall AG and Hensoldt have announced that, during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise, they demonstrated…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

U.S.-UAE artificial intelligence task force

U.S. Central Command announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to establish the first bilateral task force aimed at accelerating the…

2026-07-28 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Quantum Systems and Rohde & Schwarz cooperate on unmanned systems programs

German companies Quantum Systems and Rohde & Schwarz have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in integrating electronic warfare and signals…

2026-05-13 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

MSPO 2026: Record-breaking edition driven by dual-use technologies

The 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) will take place at Targi Kielce on September 8–11, 2026. This year’s edition has already…

2026-08-18 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Mehler Protection returns to Poland for MSPO 2026

Mehler Protection, part of Mehler Systems and a manufacturer of personal and platform ballistic protection, is returning to MSPO in Kielce from September…

2026-08-17 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Hanwha to deliver K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the US Army

Hanwha Defense US, the US subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, will deliver six K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt integrate Twinvis passive radar with air defense system

German defense group Rheinmetall AG and Hensoldt have announced that, during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise, they demonstrated…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Poland: One year of Operation Safe West

July 7, 2026, marked the first anniversary of the launch of Operation “Safe West.” One year earlier, soldiers of the…

2026-07-09 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

US Customs and Border Protection orders more Airbus H125 helicopters

European company Airbus Helicopters has finalized a contract for the purchase of 10 H125 light helicopters by US Customs and Border Protection’s…

2026-07-09 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Hanwha to deliver K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the US Army

Hanwha Defense US, the US subsidiary of South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, will deliver six K9 MH wheeled howitzer prototypes to the…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt integrate Twinvis passive radar with air defense system

German defense group Rheinmetall AG and Hensoldt have announced that, during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise, they demonstrated…

2026-08-19 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Trump limits US participation in South Korea’s Ulchi Freedom Shield 2026 exercises

President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to reduce US military participation in the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in South Korea, citing…

2026-08-17 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Rheinmetall and Boeing deepen cooperation on European CCA project

Rheinmetall and Boeing have announced the launch of a joint program aimed at rapidly introducing Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capabilities in Germany –…

2026-08-10 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo sign laser communications cooperation agreement

Astrolight and ATMOS Space Cargo are planning the world’s first in-flight laser communications link between a spacecraft returning from orbit and…

2026-08-18 | Redakcja | 6 minutes

Airbus to supply communications satellite to Spain

Airbus Defence and Space has secured a contract from Spanish operator Hisdesat to develop and build the SpainSat NG-III satellite, Europe’s most…

2026-08-07 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes
Shooting

Sightmark Introduces the Mini Shot M‑Spec Solar Enclosed M4 Closed‑Emitter Red Dot Sight

Sightmark expands its lineup with a new closed‑emitter reflex sight — the Mini Shot M‑Spec Solar Enclosed M4. Designed for hunting and…

2026-08-21 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

New FALCO D910 L chest holster

FALCO, a Slovak holster manufacturer with many years of experience, is introducing the D910 L — a long‑awaited Kydex chest holster welcomed by the…

2026-08-21 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Sightmark Introduces the Mini Shot M‑Spec Solar Enclosed M4 Closed‑Emitter Red Dot Sight

Sightmark expands its lineup with a new closed‑emitter reflex sight — the Mini Shot M‑Spec Solar Enclosed M4. Designed for hunting and…

2026-08-21 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

New FALCO D910 L chest holster

FALCO, a Slovak holster manufacturer with many years of experience, is introducing the D910 L — a long‑awaited Kydex chest holster welcomed by the…

2026-08-21 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

BC ARMS USA: Polish defense company enters the American market

BC ARMS USA is a new company based in California that will offer Americans ballistic protection equipment of Polish design.

2026-07-01 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Soft armor vest Titanium Tactical QR I from Greek Anorak

The Greek company Anorak offers a soft bulletproof vest, Titanium Tactical QR I, available for sale from EUR 599 to EUR 738.

2026-06-23 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Polish team wins King of 2 Miles 2026 competition

Jakub Sidorowicz as the shooter and Rafał Rutkowski as the spotter won the demanding King of 2 Miles long-range competition in France, scoring two…

2026-05-12 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

This Year’s Spring Delta Long Range Weekend Concludes

Another edition of the Delta Long Range Weekend has concluded. Long-range shooting enthusiasts met at the Military Institute of Armament Technology…

2026-05-11 | Grzegorz Sobczak | 4 minutes

CZ Bren 3 for Montenegro

On July 24th, 2026, Colt CZ Group officially announced the signing of an agreement for the delivery of products from Česká…

2026-07-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

New 1–10x LPVO: Sightmark Presidio 1–10×26 SFP

Sightmark is introducing a new Presidio 1–10×26 SFP low‑power variable optic, designed to stand out with an MRAD reticle featuring a centrally illuminated…

2026-07-22 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Mantis TitanX now available at the Strefa Celu store

Strefa Celu (Jammas) announces the arrival of advanced Mantis TitanX training devices, which, taking the form of a Glock pistol replica…

2026-04-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Delta Long Range Weekend 2026 coming on May 9

This year’s edition of Delta Long Range Weekend will take place on May 9. Do you shoot mid-range, long-range, or extreme long-range? Test…

2026-03-16 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Growth in Firearm Permits in Poland Continues in 2025

The National Police Headquarters has released a report on firearm permits in Poland in 2025. The number of shooters continues to increase, with nearly 45,000…

2026-02-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

Poland: Temporary Ban on Carrying Firearms in Warsaw on November 11, 2025

Minister Marcin Kierwiński has instructed the security services to take measures ensuring safety during the Independence March in Warsaw and other events…

2025-10-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 9 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Mactronic Patrol RX Flashlight – Six-Month Field Review

I received the Mactronic Patrol RX for testing at the end of 2025. After more than six months of use, I can now…

2026-07-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 9 minutes

KJI K950 Carbon – a tripod for discerning shooters

The concept of tripods in shooting has firmly taken root in shooters’ minds. The idea of using tripods began to take shape during…

2026-06-11 | Jarosław Lis | 10 minutes

Light on the Rifle: Why It Changes Everything Inside a Building

Weapon-mounted lighting is one of the most discussed and least understood categories in tactical equipment. This is a guide to what it actually…

2026-07-13 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Poland’s WZL-2 strengthens international cooperation and domestic capabilities

A press conference was held at the Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 (WZL-2, Military Aviation Works No. 2), part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), devoted to presenting the company’s current situation and plans for its further development.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, a press conference was held at the WZL-2, part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), devoted to presenting the company’s current situation and plans for its further development. Those attending included Adam Leszkiewicz – President of the PGZ Management Board, Piotr Zawieja – Vice President of the PGZ Management Board, and Jakub Gazda – President of the WZL-2 Management Board.

Photo: WZL-2

The following topics were discussed at the conference:

Cooperation with Brazilian conglomerate Embraer

On June 24 of this year, WZL-2 signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Brazilian conglomerate Embraer. The document establishes the framework for future industrial cooperation in the area of operational support for the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and the development of aviation competencies in Poland. The agreement covers, among other things, aircraft maintenance, equipping and conversion, painting, and systems integration. The envisaged outcomes of the cooperation include building domestic service capabilities for the C-390 platform, developing the competencies of the Polish defense industry, transferring knowledge and technology, and creating a long-term operational support ecosystem for this modern transport aircraft. For WZL-2, this is an important step toward further internationalization of the company’s operations and strengthening its position as one of the key entities in the Polish aerospace and defense sector.

Signing of a cooperation agreement with Bulgarian company AVIONAMS

One of the most significant events at the XVII International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026, held June 3-6 in Bulgaria, was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 and Bulgarian company AVIONAMS. The agreement initiates discussions on joint activities in the area of F-16 aircraft operational support and unmanned systems. The partnership envisages an exchange of experience, development of technical and industrial cooperation, and the identification of future projects that can strengthen the European aerospace and defense industry. During the exhibition, the WZL-2 stand was visited by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria. This was an opportunity to present the company’s competencies in aircraft technical support, aviation systems maintenance, and unmanned systems solutions being developed by WZL-2. During talks with representatives of the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence, the possibility of joint participation in projects financed under the EU SAFE instrument was also indicated, particularly in the area of unmanned systems produced by WZL-2, including the Wizjer system – representing potential within the framework of international SAFE common procurement cooperation.

FA-50 Program

Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze has successfully completed an audit conducted by the FA-50 manufacturer – Korea Aerospace Industries. The audit covered an assessment of processes related to the provision of operational support services for FA-50GF and FA-50PL aircraft following the end of the warranty period. As a result of the assessment, the manufacturer recommended WZL-2 as the main contractor for a future FA-50GF operational support contract, with KAI acting as subcontractor. Activities are currently underway to prepare the company for this task, including training in the LIS logistics system and further discussions with the manufacturer aimed at developing an effective cooperation model. The overriding goal remains ensuring high operational readiness of the FA-50 fleet operated by the Polish Air Force. The FA-50 program is significant for WZL-2 both from the perspective of current support for the Polish Armed Forces and the further development of the company’s competencies in the maintenance of modern aviation platforms (Polish Military Aviation Works No. 2 and Korea Aerospace Industries Strengthen Cooperation).

Orlik Unmanned Aerial System

With regard to the Orlik Unmanned Aerial System, discussions are currently underway with the Armaments Agency on agreeing the details of Annex No. 6 to the ongoing project. The dialogue is being conducted to clarify the conditions for the further execution of the program, which remains one of WZL-2’s significant undertakings in the area of developing domestic capabilities in modern unmanned systems. The Orlik program is part of the broader direction of building domestic industrial, technological, and operational competencies in the unmanned aerial systems segment. For the company, it is also an important element of developing design, integration, and production competencies in the area of modern defense technologies.

Wizjer Unmanned Aerial System

The Wizjer UAS is a reconnaissance system developed to support Polish Armed Forces operations. It enables real-time observation and reconnaissance, providing high operational effectiveness in diverse terrain and atmospheric conditions. The system comprises an aerial platform with an electro-optical turret, a Ground Control Station, a Ground Data Terminal, and a Portable Video Terminal, enabling secure mission conduct and immediate analysis of acquired data. The platform is launched using a catapult launcher, increasing system reliability and mobility. An additional element of the set is an operational and service vehicle, which functions as a mobile transport, service, and operational center. The modular and equipment-flexible configuration designed by WZL-2 ensures convenient system operation and the possibility of further expansion.

To date, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr. 2 has delivered 24 fully equipped Wizjer UAS sets to the Polish Armed Forces. Each set comprises 4 aerial platforms (airframes) along with complete equipment (Deliveries of Wizjer mini-class drones to the Polish Armed Forces nearing completion).

Ukraine

Furthermore, the company has the appropriate competencies and can provide such services at Polish facilities. An example is F-16 and MiG-29 aircraft, which could be repaired and serviced at the Military Aviation Works in Bydgoszcz.

Summary

All of the activities indicated – cooperation with Embraer, the agreement with AVIONAMS, development of competencies under the FA-50 program, and continuation of the Orlik program – demonstrate the consistent direction of development of WZL-2.

The company is strengthening its position as an entity capable not only of providing advanced overhaul and maintenance services, but also of participating in international industrial programs, building new technological competencies, and supporting the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces.

WZL-2’s goal remains the development of domestic industrial potential, increasing the operational safety of aircraft, and active participation in projects that strengthen the resilience and independence of the Polish defense system.

Press release