The Polish authorities envision a new training hub dedicated to operating the American HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. The plan, announced by the Polish Defense Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, envisions an artillery academy located on Polish soil where personnel will receive instruction in the use of this advanced artillery platform. The minister explained that the details of the project would be discussed informally during the European Rocket Artillery Conference underway in Torun, a city in northern Poland. He also indicated that Warsaw expects to receive the first MLRS units of this type as early as 2023, framing the academy as a way to ensure a high level of readiness and proper operator proficiency.
In related defense developments, the Polish government highlighted discussions about Korea’s K2 tanks, noting an agreement to form a production consortium between the Polish Arms Group and Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean manufacturer involved in rolling stock, military equipment, and factory systems. This collaboration underscores Poland’s broader strategy to expand domestic defense manufacturing through international partnerships and industrial integration.
Earlier, the 16th mechanized division based in Olsztyn, near the Kaliningrad border, was reported to have planned the import of American-made HIMARS systems in 2019, reflecting long-standing efforts to modernize Poland’s armored and artillery capabilities and to strengthen interoperability with allied forces. Meanwhile, the Kaliningrad regional government spokesperson, Dmitry Lyskov, stressed that residents should not worry about the installation of HIMARS systems in neighboring Poland, noting that the deployments are being managed with a focus on regional security and stabilization.
Overall, these statements illustrate Poland’s emphasis on enhanced firepower, advanced training infrastructure, and international cooperation aimed at boosting deterrence and defense modernization in the face of evolving regional security dynamics. Attribution: official statements from the Polish Ministry of Defense and regional government communications are used to summarize the publicly discussed plans and responses to the HIMARS-related initiatives.