The MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, is not only a comprehensive presentation of military equipment, but also a venue for business negotiations and contracts between global manufacturers and defence sector authorities. In terms of size and prestige, MSPO ranks third among all European exhibitions, after the Paris (Eurosatory) and London (DSEI) fairs. This year's MSPO takes place from 6 to 9 September 2022 and is truly something to behold.

Picture: This year's MSPO exhibition celebrates its 30th anniversary and the presentation of various types of military equipment, armament, gear and material is truly spectacular. | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

This year's MSPO is a jubilee exhibition, celebrating its 30th anniversary, and the presentation of various types of military equipment, armaments, equipment and material is truly spectacular. Within the exposition of Polish and world leaders of the defence industry we could see, for example, helicopters, armoured vehicles (tanks, IFVs, 4x4, etc.), tracked and wheeled self-propelled howitzers, unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, explosives and other ammunition, etc. There were also a number of air defence systems indispensable for air defence forces and the navy. Companies offering cutting-edge communication and ICT technologies, radio electronic equipment and optoelectronics presented their products.

Picture: Leopard 2PL | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Logically, the Poles have a huge representation at MSPO with a variety of very interesting military equipment, such as modernised Leopard 2PL tanks, the Krab self-propelled tracked howitzer, and other armoured vehicles, various special equipment, reconnaissance or logistics vehicles and much more.

Picture: Polish self-propelled 155 mm calibre Krab howitzer | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

The Americans are also presenting themselves in Poland this year through a large number of different equipment, armaments, gear, etc. For example, the UH-1Y Venom multi-role helicopter or the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, which will be available to the Czech Air Force next year on the basis of the 2020 contract. We were also interested in the legendary AH-64 Apache. As for ground equipment, we should mention, for example, the M1A2 Abrams tank or the JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle).

Picture: UH-1Y Venom multirole helicopter | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: AH-64 Apache attack helicopter | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: M1A2 Abrams | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Traditionally, the Czech manufacturers participating in MSPO were CSG holding companies (I did not see any other Czech manufacturers at this year's MSPO). There was a Tatra Phoenix 8x8 vehicle with a new armoured cab and Tatra chassis in 6x6 and 4x4 versions suitable for various military superstructures.

Picture: Tatra Phoenix 8x8 with new armoured cabin | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Picture: Tatra 6x6 chassis | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Excalibur Army brought to Poland the MORANA 155 mm howitzer, which was presented for the first time ever at this year's Eurosatory fair in Paris. The main weapon of the howitzer is a NATO (155 mm) calibre gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, which is located in the rear part of the chassis. MORANA combines the advantages of light wheeled self-propelled artillery systems of the TMG (Truck Mounted Gun) category and heavy artillery systems on tracked chassis.

Picture: Tatra 6x6 chassis | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

Retia is exhibiting its successful ReTwis 5 portable radar at MSPO, which is capable of detecting live targets behind walls or other non-metallic obstacles. This radar has already attracted interest from armed and security forces in the Czech Republic and abroad (USA). In addition to the ReTwis 5 radar, a model of the ReGuard multi-purpose 3D radar for detection and tracking of ground and low-flying targets is also on display.

Picture: Model of the ReGuard multi-purpose 3D radar and ReTwis 5 portable radar | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

A wide range of large-calibre ammunition produced by the Slovak company ZVS, MSM Nováky and the Spanish manufacturer Fábrica de Municiones de Granada (FMG) is presented by the Slovak company MSM Group. The ZVS portfolio is represented by artillery ammunition of 155 mm calibre, tank ammunition of 125 mm calibre and technological components for ammunition such as igniters, initiators, etc. There is also artillery ammunition of 155, 152, 125 and 122 mm calibre from the production of MSM Nováky. FMG then presents tank ammunition of 120 mm calibre and 105 mm calibre ammunition suitable for artillery and tanks. There was also ammunition for mortars of 60, 81, 98 and 120 mm calibre.

Picture: MSM Group's large calibre ammunition range | Michal Pivoňka / CZ DEFENCE

As I wrote in the introduction, this year there was (or still is) in Kielce, Poland, a lot of interesting military equipment, armament, equipment, etc. from famous and less known manufacturers from all over the world and it is good that we have a Czech representation at this prestigious exhibition.