XXVII International Defense Industry Exhibition

Lockheed Martin presented at MSPO a mock-up of the F-35A Lightning II multipurpose aircraft, which is at the center of Polish interest in the Harpia wounds program.

During MSPO 2019, the US hosted the National Exhibition, where 65 companies presented themselves - it was the largest presence of the American defense industry in the history of the International Defense Industry Exhibition. Poland has proved that it is the leader of NATO. It's great that you can be here together and work for the common safety of the world. This fair demonstrates the special relationship between the United States and Poland,” US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher said during the MSPO.

This year, MSPO occupied an area of ​​27 sq. m in seven exhibition halls of the center of Kielce and in an open area. This year, among the exhibitors were representatives of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Lithuania, Germany, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Serbia, Singapore , Slovakia, Slovenia, USA, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, Hungary, UK and Italy. The most numerous companies were from the USA, Germany and Great Britain. The world leaders of the defense industry presented their exhibitions.

Among 30,5 thousand visitors from all over the world there were 58 delegations from 49 countries and 465 journalists from 10 countries. 38 conferences, seminars and discussions were held.

The highlight of the show in Kielce this year was the acquisition program for a new multi-role aircraft, codenamed Harpia, which was designed to provide the Air Force with modern combat aircraft, replace worn-out MiG-29 and Su-22 fighter-bombers, and support the F-16 Jastrząb multi-role aircraft.

The analytical and conceptual phase of the Harpy program began in 2017, and the following year the Ministry of National Defense issued a statement that: Minister Mariusz Blaszczak instructed the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army to accelerate the implementation of a program aimed at acquiring a new generation fighter that will a new quality in the activities of aviation, as well as in support of the battlefield. This year, the Harpia program was presented as one of the most important elements of the "Plan for the technical modernization of the Polish Armed Forces for 2017-2026".

The new generation jet fighter was supposed to be selected on a competitive basis, but in May of this year, the Department of Defense unexpectedly asked the US government for the possibility of purchasing 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft with training and logistics packages, which as a result, the US side launches FMS (Foreign Military Sale) procedure. In September, the Polish side received the consent of the American government on this matter, which allows them to start negotiations on the price and clarify the terms of the purchase.

The F-35 is by far the most advanced multi-role aircraft in the world, giving Poland a giant leap forward in air supremacy, radically increasing the Air Force's combat capability and survivability against air access. It is distinguished by very low visibility (stealth), a set of ultra-modern sensors, complex data processing from its own and external sources, network operations, an advanced electronic warfare system and the presence of a large number of weapons.

To date, +425 aircraft of this type have been delivered to users for eight countries, seven of which have declared initial operational readiness (13 customers have placed orders). By 2022, the number of F-35 Lightning II multi-purpose aircraft will double. It is worth remembering that as mass production increases, the cost of the aircraft decreases and currently stands at about $ 80 million per copy. In addition, the availability of the F-35 Lightning II is improved while lowering fleet maintenance costs.

The F35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation multipurpose aircraft at the price of a fourth-generation aircraft. It is the most effective, durable and most capable weapon system, setting new standards in these areas for decades to come. The F-35 Lightning II will strengthen Poland's position as a leader in the region. This will give us unprecedented compatibility with NATO allied air forces (being a multiplier of the combat potential of older types of aircraft). The proposed directions of modernization are ahead of the growing threats.

The European consortium Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH is still ready to submit a competitive offer, which, as an alternative, is offering us the Typhoon multi-role aircraft, which has one of the most technologically advanced electronic warfare systems in the world. This allows Typhoon aircraft to operate stealthily, avoiding threats and preventing unnecessary engagement in combat.

There are two elements that make it possible to be inconspicuous: to be aware of the environment in which we are, and to be difficult to see. The Typhoon EW system provides both. First, the system guarantees full situational awareness of surrounding threats, so that the pilot knows where they are and what mode they are currently in. This image is further enhanced by receiving data from other theater actors connected to the network thanks to the Typhoon electronic warfare system. With a current accurate picture of the terrain, the Typhoon pilot can avoid getting into the range of a potentially dangerous enemy radar station.