Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Rising investment in Poland’s defence industry is creating opportunities for companies seeking to enter a rapidly expanding market. However, industry specialists warn that the production of explosives and ammunition remains one of the most tightly regulated areas of manufacturing, requiring expertise that goes well beyond conventional industrial construction and engineering.
According to Marcin Kosieniak, co-owner of engineering consultancy PM Projekt, many companies are attracted by the growing number of defence-related projects but underestimate the complexity of the sector’s regulatory and technical requirements.
“The defence industry is often viewed as another industrial market, but the reality is very different,” said Kosieniak. “Projects must comply with a range of overlapping regulations covering explosives, workplace safety, environmental protection, fire prevention, construction standards and explosion-risk management.”
The growing demand for domestic defence production follows a broader increase in military spending across Europe, driven by geopolitical tensions and efforts to strengthen strategic autonomy. Poland has emerged as one of the region’s most active investors in defence manufacturing capacity, prompting interest from contractors, suppliers and engineering firms looking to participate in new projects.
However, specialists note that industrial installations within explosives production facilities require a different approach from those found in traditional manufacturing environments.
In such facilities, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are considered an integral part of the production process rather than supporting building infrastructure. Design parameters must be aligned with the specific substances being handled, the potential risks associated with ignition sources and the safety zones required throughout the facility.
Engineers must also address strict requirements related to occupational safety, air filtration, dust management and exhaust treatment. The interaction between these systems means that a design flaw in one area can affect the safety and compliance of the entire facility.
Industry experts argue that experience gained in heavy industry alone is often insufficient preparation for defence-sector projects. The regulatory framework requires coordination across multiple approval processes, extensive documentation and specialised technical knowledge developed through years of sector-specific experience.
As investment in defence manufacturing continues to accelerate, demand for engineering and design services is expected to increase alongside new production facilities. At the same time, investors are placing greater emphasis on proven expertise, regulatory knowledge and project references when selecting contractors and consultants.
According to PM Projekt, the complexity of compliance requirements and the high cost of design errors mean that technical competence is becoming a key differentiator in the market. Companies entering the sector must demonstrate not only engineering capabilities but also an understanding of the approval procedures and long-term operational requirements unique to defence-related facilities.
The trend reflects a broader shift within Poland’s industrial market, where the expansion of strategic manufacturing sectors is creating opportunities for specialised engineering firms while raising the barriers to entry for newcomers. As defence production capacity grows, industry participants expect technical standards, safety requirements and regulatory scrutiny to remain among the most demanding in the country’s manufacturing sector.
