The centre, known as FORT Kraków – DIANA, is run by a consortium led by the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Kraków Technology Park.
Its aim is to develop and support innovative technologies that strengthen the security of NATO member states, including the production of counter-drone systems, tools to protect critical infrastructure and artificial intelligence-based solutions that could be used by both the military and civilian industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said the initiative demonstrated the alliance’s growing focus on its eastern flank.
"This is the best example that NATO is developing its capabilities on the eastern flank," he said, adding that the alliance aimed to "build independence in defence supplies and rapidly implement modern technologies".
The minister pointed to the difficulty of moving innovative ideas beyond the conceptual stage and into everyday use.
"Translating from the language of discovery into the language of daily usefulness and production is today Poland’s greatest challenge," he said.
"That is why acceleration is needed."
Kosiniak-Kamysz also underlined the role of the defence industry as a driver of economic growth and security.
"Without independence in supplying military equipment to Polish and European armies, we will never be safe," he said.
"The supply chain must be built in Europe."
The Kraków facility forms part of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, or DIANA, which links scientists, innovators and start-ups with defence and military institutions.
Poland is the only country on NATO’s eastern flank to host both a DIANA accelerator, ten test centres and a NATO Innovation Fund office.
(ał)
Source: PAP