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Poland signs first contracts funded by EU defence loans

28.05.2026 13:00
Poland on Thursday signed the first contracts financed under the European Union's SAFE defence programme, marking the start of projects backed by billions of euros in low-interest EU loans.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks at the signing of contracts under the European Unions SAFE defence loan programme in Legionowo near Warsaw on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks at the signing of contracts under the European Union's SAFE defence loan programme in Legionowo near Warsaw on Thursday, May 28, 2026.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The agreements were signed in the Warsaw suburb of Legionowo at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The contracts cover the delivery of advanced cyber-defence capabilities for Poland's Cyber Defence Forces, all supplied by domestic manufacturers, state news agency PAP reported.

They include a post-quantum IP encryption system from the Enigma company, a high-assurance cryptographic system from Krypton Polska, a secure data-exchange platform developed by Filbico, and a mobile cybersecurity laboratory provided by Media, officials said.

The deals are the first to be financed through the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, which is designed to strengthen the bloc's defence and security capabilities.

Thursday's signing ceremony followed a loan agreement signed by the Polish government and the European Commission on May 8 under the SAFE framework.

Warsaw expects to secure EUR 43.7 billion from the programme to strengthen its military and defence industry.

The government has said that around 40 contracts financed through SAFE are expected to be signed by the end of this week.

Poland has sharply increased defence spending and investment in military modernisation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while also expanding its cyber defence capabilities in response to growing concerns over cyberattacks and hybrid threats.

Poland is the largest beneficiary of the SAFE initiative, with the government planning to place most procurement orders with domestic defence manufacturers.

The funds will support projects including the country's flagship Eastern Shield programme, air-defence and counter-drone systems, artillery and upgrades to military transport infrastructure.

The government has said that 89 percent of the funding will be spent in Poland, benefiting domestic industry and the wider economy.

Poland expects to receive an initial payment of around EUR 6.5 billion from the European Commission by the end of May.

The SAFE initiative provides up to EUR 150 billion in loans through 2030 to support joint defence procurement by participating countries.

It was established to help EU countries strengthen their military capabilities amid Russia's war in Ukraine and uncertainty over future US engagement in European security.

The programme also aims to reduce reliance on US-made weapons and bolster Europe's defence industry.

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Source: IAR, PAP