The purchase of the Częstochowa Steelworks was finalised by the defence ministry on Monday for PLN 253.8 million (EUR 60.2 million), state news agency PAP reported.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the acquisition marked "a historic day for national security" and for securing supply chains vital to the domestic arms industry.
He described the mill in the southern city of Częstochowa as strategically important due to its ability to produce heavy hardened steel, including armour plate up to 3,000mm thick, a capability he said is essential "in these dangerous times."
The steelworks, founded 128 years ago, employs around 1,200 people, or 5,000 including subcontractors.
Its products are already used in the construction of Polish Navy frigates under the Miecznik (Swordfish) programme and are exported to countries including Germany and Slovakia, officials said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said the government could not allow the company to "fall into the wrong hands," warning that a foreign buyer might seek short-term profits or act as fronts for entities "from the East," potentially jeopardising secure supplies for Poland's defence industry.
The acquisition comes as Poland ramps up defence spending in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the government seeking to safeguard critical production chains and ensure access to domestically sourced raw materials for military manufacturing.
(pm/gs)
Source: PAP, Dziennik Zachodni