On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Zakłady Chemiczne Nitro-Chem, in cooperation with its U.S. partners General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) and Paramount Enterprises International Inc. (PEI), signed an agreement today at the headquarters of Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) in Warsaw concerning the development of production capabilities for Hydra 70 mm unguided rockets at Nitro-Chem in Bydgoszcz.
Photo: Zakłady Chemiczne Nitro-Chem
The agreement may represent an important step toward establishing a production and logistics center for Hydra 70 mm rockets in Poland. Its main task would be to secure supplies for the Polish Armed Forces, in particular for the 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters ordered by the Ministry of National Defense. Over the next few years, the project could allow Poland to gradually take over a larger share of production competencies in this area and potentially reduce its dependence on foreign supplies in situations involving threats or geopolitical disruptions. The possibility of supporting the needs of other allied countries is also being considered.
“Companies within the Polish Armaments Group are actively exploring new business areas where — drawing on their expertise and capabilities — they see genuine opportunities to produce and market new types of weapons and military equipment. This is exactly the case with Nitro-Chem and the project to establish a production and logistics hub for 70 mm Hydra unguided rockets. For Nitro-Chem, this is a major opportunity for several reasons. First, Hydra rockets may serve as armament for the AH-64E attack helicopters, 96 of which will be operated by the Polish Armed Forces. Second, these rockets have proven effective as a low-cost anti-drone effector — in the version equipped with the APKWS module, they will be part of the batteries of our SAN system. Third, they are also being used on Ukrainian aircraft to counter Russian attack drones. It is possible that the Polish Air Force may eventually adopt a similar approach as a more affordable alternative to expensive missile systems. All of this creates substantial manufacturing and business potential, which is why we believe this project is well worth pursuing.” – said Adam Leszkiewicz, President of the Management Board of PGZ S.A.
“Today’s signing marks an important milestone for Nitro-Chem as we continue to strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and build the Company’s long-term expertise in advanced weapons systems. In the future, this project could improve supply security for the Polish Armed Forces while also creating opportunities for Poland to become part of international defence supply chains serving allied countries.” – said Karol Przybyszewski, Vice President of the Management Board of Zakłady Chemiczne NITRO-CHEM S.A.
The key recipient of the rockets produced will be Poland’s Ministry of National Defense. In the initial phase of the project, Nitro-Chem would assemble Hydra 70 mm rockets using components supplied by General Dynamics from the United States. In subsequent years, the cooperation could lead to the gradual development of broader production capabilities in Poland, using components sourced from domestic suppliers, including, where possible, companies belonging to PGZ.
“PEI is proud to support this cooperation between U.S. and Polish industry. Programs of this scale require strong coordination across supply chain, logistics and execution activities, and we look forward to supporting the long-term development of this capability in Poland.” – John Coney, CEO PEI.
The implementation of the project could contribute to the growth of domestic industrial competencies in the area of modern weapon systems, increase security of supply for the Polish Armed Forces, and strengthen Poland’s position as an important defense-industry partner within NATO.
The signed agreement opens up the prospect of further development for the Polish defense sector and, in the coming years, could significantly strengthen domestic production potential in the area of key armaments, increasing the country’s strategic independence.
🚀 @NITROCHEM_PGZ podpisał dziś z amerykańskimi partnerami 🇺🇸 – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) oraz Paramount Enterprises International Inc. – porozumienie dotyczące rozwoju zdolności produkcyjnych w zakresie niekierowanych rakiet Hydra 70 mm.
🎯 To… pic.twitter.com/n3ChxA9bYK
— Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa🇵🇱 (@PGZ_pl) May 12, 2026
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