The growing permanent footprint of US forces in Poland, the largest technical modernization program in the history of the Polish Armed Forces, and multi-billion-dollar contracts for American weapon systems have transformed the Washington-Warsaw defense relationship into one of the most critical pillars of NATO’s Eastern Flank. The natural locus for this trilateral dialogue between industry, government, and military is the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition, taking place 8–11 September 2026 at Targi Kielce.
At this year’s exhibition, the United States will once again field one of the most imposing international delegations. The Kielce expo floor will host both the traditional global titans of the American defence sector and the disruptive innovators whose technologies are redefining the future of warfare—spanning artificial intelligence, autonomous combat systems, advanced electronics, sensors, and space assets.
Poland and the USA – a partnership deepening beyond arms purchases
Over the past decade, Poland has cemented its status as one of America’s primary security partners in Europe. Military ties have evolved far beyond the presence of US rotational troops and joint exercises. Today, the relationship is increasingly anchored by industrial co-production, technology transfer, and the building of long-term domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities.
Poland is currently executing a historic rearmament program, the bedrock of which is built on American technology: F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, Patriot air defence systems, HIMARS rocket artillery, Abrams main battle tanks, advanced reconnaissance assets, and secure network communications. The aggregate value of these contracts runs deep into tens of billions of dollars.
In parallel, industrial integration is hitting its stride. A growing number of these procurement programs mandate the active involvement of Polish defence enterprises in the servicing, maintenance, and component manufacturing for these systems. This shift aligns directly with broader NATO mandates aimed at boosting industrial resilience across member states and building redundant, integrated supply chains.
“Polish-American defence cooperation is one of the most critical anchors of security in our region today. For years, MSPO has been the forum where government officials, military commanders, and industry leaders meet to turn these massive procurement concepts into reality. The sustained presence of America’s top defence firms proves that Targi Kielce is a major hub on the global defence industry map,” states Dr Andrzej Mochoń, President of the Board at Targi Kielce.
From traditional corporations to companies shaping the future of defence
The American pavilion at MSPO 2026 offers a perfect snapshot of a defence sector in the throes of a technological paradigm shift.
Alongside established global defence leaders—such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, RTX Corporation, General Dynamics Land Systems, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, GE Aerospace, Leonardo DRS, Moog, and Northrop Grumman—Kielce will host the vanguard of companies rewriting the playbook on modern operations.
Anduril Industries, Shield AI, and Palantir Technologies are prominent among the firms shifting the operational calculus on modern battlefields. These companies specialise in autonomous combat systems, AI-enabled command software, and advanced algorithmic data analysis —the very technologies that increasingly dictate asymmetric advantage in modern peer conflict.
The high-fidelity sensor, surveillance, and tactical communications sectors will also be heavily represented. Leading firms presenting their latest gear include Echodyne, Thinklogical, VectorNav Technologies, TrellisWare Technologies, Night Vision Devices, NVTS Night Vision Technology Solutions, and SRC Inc.
They will be flanked by an array of subcontractors specialising in rugged components, military power systems, tactical gear, and advanced logistics software.
Industry as an element of deterrence
The heavy, sustained turnout of US defence firms at MSPO mirrors a macro-trend sweeping across the North Atlantic Alliance. After decades focused on low-intensity expeditionary missions, NATO states are pivoting back to preparing for high-intensity, peer-to-peer conflict. This reality demands not just larger standing armies, but the creation of an industrial base capable of sustaining rapid mass production of equipment and munitions.
Poland occupies a unique position in this industrial re-shoring effort. Driven by its geographic reality and the sheer scale of its military spending, the nation has emerged as one of NATO’s primary logistics and industrial hubs on the Eastern Flank. For US defence firms, this reality translates into an unprecedented opportunity to co-develop projects with Polish industry—catering not just to the Polish Armed Forces but to the collective needs of the broadly defined Alliance.
MSPO is a meeting place for strategic partners
The presence of the largest US companies at MSPO is further confirmation of the growing role of the Kielce exhibition in the international defence industry ecosystem. The exhibition has firmly established itself as a venue where high-level technology showcases pave the way for the joint ventures, capital investments, and collaborative R&D projects that will define Western defence for the next generation.
International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) will take place at Targi Kielce from 8 to 11 September 2026. The 2026 MSPO will expand into a newly minted exhibition hall, with the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) serving as the event’s Strategic Partner.
