On Friday, March 6, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius visited Mesko, part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), at its production facilities in Skarżysko-Kamienna.
Photo: Krzysztof Niedziela/Ministry Of National Defence
“I am in Skarżysko-Kamienna, at Mesko – a remarkable facility producing Piorun missiles, as well as ammunition of various calibers. This was one of the first decisions made by our government – an investment of around one billion euros in three ammunition factories, along with financial support for defense companies. That is already delivering results,” said the Deputy Prime Minister during his visit to the Mesko facilities.
“We are acquiring independent ammunition production capabilities. A moment ago, the Mesko management board and Mr. Bąk, President of the Polish Armaments Group, presented the Commissioner with the company’s production capabilities. Today, we are focusing in particular on the Piorun. It is our export product, well known in various parts of the world and used in Ukraine, where it has proven effective. We also supply it, as I mentioned a moment ago, to Belgium, for example, where it forms the first layer of the Kingdom of Belgium’s air defense. This is a transfer that we carried out very quickly. Sweden has purchased a large batch, and the Baltic states are interested. In fact, there is no country in Europe that is not interested in the Piorun. This is very important to us. We want to expand our production capacity. It has already increased several times over the past two years – I believe those production capabilities have been raised fourfold. We will increase them further by 2028,” the head of the Ministry of National Defence added.
“During the visit to Mesko, a meeting was held with the company’s management board, and the plant’s infrastructure and production capabilities were presented. The talks focused on the potential of Poland’s defense industry, the development of production capabilities in the armaments sector, and the role of Polish manufacturing facilities in the European security system.”
“Why are Commissioner Kubilius and I here? There are several reasons. The first is the launch of the Commissioner’s visits to individual European countries aimed at promoting and supporting the production of anti-aircraft and missile defense systems, air defense, which is a key element in conducting military operations today. We can see this in Ukraine. It is necessary to defend against drones, but also against ballistic and cruise missiles. The same applies in the Middle East. All conflicts in the world today show that, unfortunately, air and missile defense, air defense in general, is the most expensive element and often requires highly precise manufacturing, as is the case with the Pioruns produced here in Skarżysko. (…) Production capacity, as the Commissioner also said, in the United States and in Europe is insufficient. We are behind those who threaten us. Unfortunately, Europe, the United States, the entire free world, and the whole Western world do not have sufficient production capacity while being engaged in so many places around the world,” said the head of the Ministry of National Defence.
“Our priorities are drone systems, counter-drone systems, long-range precision strike capabilities, and air defense. These are absolutely our priorities. We announced them recently during a briefing with the senior command of the Polish Armed Forces. These are the main tasks assigned to our commanders, but they are also tasks we are setting for our national defense manufacturer – the Polish Armaments Group. Establishing cooperation and working with Ukraine is also essential. Ukraine has extensive experience. If there is one thing we can learn from the information and experience gained from a war that has now lasted four years, it is precisely the Ukrainian army’s experience in countering ballistic missiles, countering drones, and building low-cost, long-range precision strike capabilities. We must balance the cost of defense with the cost of attack. We must reduce the cost of the means by which we can deter – such as long-range precision strike capabilities. Thank you very much, Commissioner, for being here, for showcasing this Polish facility, and for ensuring that, through the SAFE program, funds will flow precisely to plants such as Mesko in Skarżysko-Kamienna, Huta Stalowa Wola, Rosomak in Siemianowice Śląskie, Jelcz in Jelcz-Laskowice, and other military production sites across Poland, so that all of Europe can be safer,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
“This is clearly an example of high quality and very high production standards. Of course, we are also now analyzing the requirements arising from Ukraine’s experience, but we know that the Piorun system has been proven in practice – it is already in service in many countries, and many others are interested in it. We discussed production, future plans, and the further expansion of production capacity. We will continue discussing very practical matters, including components and how we can help supply them and develop the entire production chain. What is very important is the fact that Poland offers a very strong environment for industrial and business development. We can expect investments to be carried out quickly and efficiently. This is becoming a very important requirement today and a very strong priority,” said the European Commissioner for Defence and Space.
Mesko, a company belonging to the Polish Armaments Group, is one of the key enterprises in Poland’s defense industry, with more than 100 years of manufacturing tradition. The company’s core business includes the production of armaments and ammunition for the needs of national defense and state security.
Mesko’s products are used by the Polish Armed Forces and other entities responsible for national security. Its facilities are equipped with modern technologies for the production of missiles and ammunition, as well as infrastructure for the disposal of obsolete munitions.
Mesko is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of ammunition, as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems, including the Piorun man-portable air-defense missile system, regarded as one of the most effective systems of its class in the world, and the Spike anti-tank missile system.
