Poland military in deal for 53,000 assault rifles
PR dla Zagranicy
Victoria Bieniek
06.09.2017 13:20
The Łucznik Arms Factory has signed a PLN 500 million (EUR 118 million) deal to supply the Polish military with 53,000 “Grot” 5.56 mm calibre modular assault rifles by 2020.
Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz and a soldier modelling the Grot assault rifle. Photo: PAP/Piotr Polak.
The first 1,000 guns, which have been developed by the Polish Armaments Group subsidiary since 2007, are to be delivered by the end of the year.
The deal was announced as the southeastern city of Kielce hosts more than 600 companies from nearly 30 countries at the 24th International Defence Industry Exhibition.
Michał Dworczyk, Poland’s Deputy Defence Minister, said: “This is the first fully-Polish piece for Polish soldiers since 1939”.
The gun is “exceptionally innovative” and “one of the most modern in the world,” Dworczyk added.
He also said the deal was reached quickly. “These days we do not have time to negotiate contracts over decades. I want this [deal] to be a model”.
The contract includes training and e-learning for users and allows the military to give the manufacturer feedback.
The Łucznik factory is known for producing sewing machines and typewriters but shifted its focus armaments in 2000.
The Grot rifle deal is the second-largest signed by Poland following a deal for the supply of VIP planes.
The Polish defence ministry has pledged to upgrade the country' s military, which it said would cost some PLN 550 billion over the next 14 years. (vb/pk)
Source: Polish Radio