The European Commission recently announced five cross-border defense projects receiving €60 million each under the EDIRPA program. Despite submitting six high-potential proposals, including the globally acclaimed Piorun MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems), Poland was excluded from funding. Meanwhile, France and Germany secured significant allocations, raising concerns over unequal treatment of EU member states.
Poland’s Defense Innovations Undervalued
Polish defense proposals, including the Baobab-K mine-laying vehicle and FlyEye UAV, demonstrate advanced innovation. Notably, the Piorun system, proven effective in Ukraine and sought by NATO allies such as the U.S. and Norway, highlights Poland’s growing defense capabilities. However, the EU prioritized projects like France’s Mistral air-defense system and Germany’s IRIS-T, overshadowing Polish contributions.
Tuskowi znowu pokazano gdzie w Europie jest jego miejsce….
— Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) November 14, 2024
Unijne miliony na dofinansowanie produkcji broni popłyną do Francji i Niemiec. Polski Piorun mimo iż świetnie sprawdził się na Ukrainie nie uzyskał dofinansowania w ramach programu EDIRPA. pic.twitter.com/SQpfOLhQNx
Polish politicians criticize this decision as neglecting Eastern Europe’s security needs. Former Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak highlighted the Piorun system’s global recognition, questioning the rationale behind its exclusion. Critics argue that domestic political stances may influence EU funding decisions, undermining Poland’s industrial potential.