Warsaw, 30 June 2025 — Poland will increase its annual production of artillery shells from approximately 30,000 to between 150,000 and 180,000 units, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Sunday during the launch of a major defence manufacturing expansion project at the Mesko arms factory in Starachowice.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Poland’s defence capabilities and provide continued military assistance to Ukraine and its partners. According to the government, the expansion will be backed by an investment of 2.4 billion złoty (approximately $660 million), aimed at scaling up domestic production and bolstering both national and European security infrastructure.
Strategic ramp-up to meet Ukraine’s needs
Morawiecki underscored that the surge in production is directly tied to the war in Ukraine, countering any perception of waning support. “This is about ensuring that the Ukrainian army has what it needs, and Poland stands ready to deliver,” the prime minister stated.
The increase in output at Mesko, a key component of Poland’s state-owned arms industry, signals Warsaw’s firm position within NATO’s defence supply chain. It also demonstrates the country’s intent to remain a core contributor to the collective response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A European response to Russian aggression
The scale-up forms part of a wider European trend as NATO countries expand their defence industrial bases in light of prolonged military support for Ukraine and deteriorating security conditions across the continent. Poland, in particular, has positioned itself at the forefront of these efforts, linking domestic military modernisation to regional deterrence.
“Russia remains the greatest threat to our security,” Morawiecki said. “Without a strong Ukraine, that threat could reach Poland’s borders.”
The Mesko facility will now be able to produce significantly higher volumes of artillery ammunition, essential not only for national stockpiles but also for NATO-led aid flows to Ukraine. The move reinforces Warsaw’s long-standing stance that helping Ukraine defend itself is inextricably linked to safeguarding Poland’s own sovereignty.
Defence industrial revival across Europe
Poland’s announcement comes as several EU and NATO members accelerate military procurement and production. The increased tempo reflects the reality that the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon — and that Western support must be sustained for the long term.
Warsaw’s new investment also aligns with broader EU goals of reducing dependence on external arms suppliers and strengthening Europe’s ability to respond rapidly to crises at its borders.
“Expanding Poland’s defence potential and supporting Ukraine are two sides of the same strategy,” a Polish government spokesperson said, highlighting the dual objective of reinforcing national readiness while contributing to the regional balance of power.
As Ukraine’s counteroffensive continues and Russia shows no sign of de-escalating its campaign, the Mesko expansion reaffirms that European allies are adapting — not retreating — in their commitment to resisting aggression.
