**Location and Context:**
In Warsaw, Poland, a significant agreement was reached on Monday concerning defense collaboration between Poland and Slovakia.
**Signatories:**
The letter of intent was signed by Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s deputy prime minister and defense minister, and Robert Kaliňák, the Slovak defense minister.
**Key Initiatives:**
1. **Ammunition Production:**
– Poland will leverage Slovakia’s expertise in manufacturing 155-millimeter artillery shells.
– A new fund of approximately PLN 3 billion (around $759 million) will be established by Warsaw, aimed at boosting the country’s ammunition manufacturing capabilities, particularly for 155 mm rounds.
2. **Armored Vehicle Development:**
– Plans are in place for the joint production of an armored fighting vehicle based on Poland’s eight-wheel-drive Rosomak, manufactured by PGZ under a license from Finland’s Patria. This new vehicle will utilize the Turra 30 remote-controlled turret developed by Slovak company EVPÚ.
3. **Tank Cooperation:**
– Poland is set to offer the K2 Black Panther tanks, which will be produced domestically under a license from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, to Slovakia.
– In July 2022, Poland secured a framework deal for the acquisition of up to 1,000 K2 tanks, with 180 on order from South Korea and 820 expected to be produced in Poland.
4. **Air Defense Weapons:**
– Slovakia has expressed interest in acquiring the Piorun (Thunderbolt) man-portable air defense system manufactured by PGZ. This weapon has seen extensive operational use by the Ukrainian military against Russian forces and has gained interest from multiple countries including the United States, Japan, and Indonesia.
**Future Plans:**
– Slovakia aims to procure up to 104 new tanks, with options including the CV90120 from BAE Systems Hägglunds, new Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, and used Leopard 2A4s, which would be upgraded domestically.
**Reporter Information:**
The article is reported by Jaroslaw Adamowski, the Poland correspondent for Defense News.
