Poland needs strong arms industry: defense minister

Poland must have a strong arms industry in view of the developments in Ukraine, Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said on Monday in Stalowa Wola, south Poland.

Siemoniak, in Stalowa Wola for a debate on the future of Polish arms industry, stressed that the Ukraine crisis had raised the importance of domestic arms in the national defense system.

"Until now this industry was mainly perceived as a provider of jobs and innovations, but the developments east of our borders have revised our approach in many areas. We are beginning to look at the defense industry as a part of our defense system. Our country must have a strong defense industry," Siemoniak said.

The minister reminded that 100 billion PLN (33 billion U.S. dollars) had been earmarked for new weaponry, notably an air defense system. The purchase of helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and integrated command support systems, as well as upgrades in the armored, naval, artillery and missile forces are also planned.

Siemoniak also remarked that in order to grow the Polish arms industry, it's necessary to market Polish products on foreign markets.

"Our products are good and we have to work out how to sell them. We must take a firm step forward in this respect," the minister said. Endi