Poland’s National Ammunition Reserve: Parliamentary Inquiries and Security Implications

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At a press briefing in the Sejm, Michał Dworczyk, speaking on behalf of lawmakers from Law and Justice, put forward a set of pointed inquiries to the Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. He was joined by Marcin Przydacz as they addressed questions surrounding Poland’s National Ammunition Reserve and the associated plan to build a domestic artillery ammunition factory, with a focus on 155 mm shells. The emphasis was on verifying media reports that suggested the program could be halted and the factory project halted before it could begin. The lawmakers underscored that a suspension would threaten a sequence of major strategic initiatives for the country, following the Central Railway and Port expansions, the planned nuclear power project, and the expansion of Polish ports. They argued that these developments are interconnected milestones essential to national security and regional cooperation, and any disruption to the ammunition program could complicate the broader security and development agenda.

In the mounted remarks, the MPs from Law and Justice similarly pressed Prime Minister Tusk with a series of specific questions. They asked whether the construction of a Polish artillery ammunition factory, undertaken as part of the National Ammunition Reserve project, might be suspended. They also inquired whether, during a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Tusk stated an intention for Poland to procure artillery ammunition, including 155-millimeter rounds, from German suppliers such as Rheinmetall and other companies, as had occurred in prior years. Furthermore, they asked whether Rheinmetall is currently preparing to place a substantial order for 155-millimeter ammunition intended for the Polish military. The questions were framed as essential from a national security standpoint and were presented as crucial to the country’s deterrence and defense posture.

One of the lawmakers highlighted the significance of ammunition production in today’s security landscape. The discourse framed the topic within the broader context of Poland’s NATO obligations and the defense policy, stressing the importance of maintaining robust domestic production capacity alongside international procurement. Over recent years, Poland has pursued greater investment in arms production through NATO-aligned avenues, aiming to strengthen not only purchases of modern equipment but also the capacity to manufacture ammunition domestically. This dual approach was presented as a strategic component of ensuring reliable stockpiles, reducing dependence on external suppliers, and supporting national sovereignty in security matters.

The discussion traced the historical challenges faced by the Third Polish Republic, noting that persistent gaps in domestic production capacity were only gradually addressed through decisive political and administrative actions that revived the country’s ammunition manufacturing sector. The remarks suggested that, with a different political climate, there was a real risk that the program could be stalled or rolled back, potentially increasing Poland’s reliance on foreign producers and exposing the nation to new risks. The speakers argued that the current political moment requires transparent accountability, prompting lawmakers to demand clear answers from the government regarding the National Ammunition Reserve and the related supply arrangements. This emphasis on accountability was linked to concerns about strategic autonomy, the resilience of defense industrial base, and the capacity to fulfill NATO commitments without compromising national interests.

A recurring theme in the exchanges was the imperative to secure reliable production and material readiness. By combining questions about factory construction with those on international purchases, the discussion framed ammunition policy as a linchpin of Poland’s defense and regional security architecture. The MPs underscored the necessity of maintaining a capable and self-sufficient ammunition sector while continuing to leverage alliance-based procurement where appropriate, thereby balancing strategic autonomy with alliance obligations. In summation, the speakers from Law and Justice positioned these inquiries as a necessary step to illuminate government decisions, ensuring that Poland remains prepared for both current security demands and future geopolitical developments.

In their closing remarks, the lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to seeking comprehensive explanations from the government about the status and direction of ammunition-related projects. They stressed that robust production capacity, secure supply chains, and clear governmental accountability are essential for the country’s defense and deterrence framework. The overarching message was that informed parliamentary oversight must align with Poland’s broader strategic objectives—strengthening defense capabilities, preserving NATO solidarity, and safeguarding national security interests in a rapidly evolving security environment.

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