MSPO 2026: Latest trends in the defence industry

Our team attended the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2026 in Kielce, one of the region’s key gatherings for the defence and dual-use sector. Over the course of the event, we held conversations with defence and dual-use companies, international players, government representatives, and industry experts.

One conclusion stood out across these discussions: the European defence market is entering a new phase of accelerated growth, and companies are increasingly looking beyond technology and products, toward market access, partnerships, funding, and execution.

• Poland is increasingly seen as a strategic market
  International companies looking to enter or expand in Poland showed strong interest throughout the exhibition. This is driven by the country’s growing defence expenditure and its rising importance within Europe’s broader security architecture.
• Market entry is becoming more strategic
  Having the right technology is only a starting point for companies entering Poland. Understanding where to play, who to partner with, how procurement works, and how to build a sustainable local presence is becoming just as important as the product itself.
  
• Funding can accelerate growth
  EU instruments such as the European Defence Fund (EDF), EDIP, and AGILE can help companies develop technologies, build partnerships, and scale across European markets. Accessing these programmes, however, requires a clear strategic and consortium approach from the outset.
• Defence and dual-use are increasingly connected
  Communication technologies, cybersecurity, AI, drones, advanced manufacturing, and other dual-use solutions are becoming more relevant to defence ecosystems. This is creating real opportunities for companies that can successfully translate civilian technologies into defence application.
• International partnerships will matter more than ever
  Conversations at MSPO repeatedly pointed to the importance of connecting European capabilities, technologies, and markets. Companies are looking for partners who can help them move from market analysis to practical market execution — not just supply relationships, but long-term collaboration.

A recurring thread throughout MSPO was Ukraine’s approach to industrial partnership. Ukraine is actively seeking European industrial partners not just as suppliers, but as long-term strategic co-producers. In practice, this framework enables:

• Live battlefield feedback – direct operational loops that inform rapid product iteration.
• Co-production and joint ventures – strategic pathways under the “Build with Ukraine” initiative.
• Key stakeholder access – warm introductions to Ministry of Defence counterparts, AFU procurement teams, and the BRAVE1/IRON Cluster networks.
• Coalition funding alignment – structuring initiatives to leverage emerging mechanisms such as EDIP/IRA.

For Civitta, this is exactly where we see an opportunity to support defence and dual-use companies. From market intelligence and go-to-market strategy, through market entry and partner identification, to EU funding and investment support, we help companies turn international expansion ambitions into concrete growth opportunities.

Civitta supports this journey at every stage – from initial mapping and local representation to embedded, on-the-ground execution – leveraging our network of 130+ local consultants across the region.

Want to explore how Civitta can support your defence or dual-use growth strategy? Learn more ↗