Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1488818
ANNIVERSARY EVENING The 30th MSPO anniversary was celebrated by Targi Kielce jointly with the exhibitors, and the guests. The unique profile of the event was emphasized by the performance of the Kielce Dance Theater - the dancers have staged the "Not-so-Obvious Story of Cinderella". The repertoire selection was not accidental, considering the anniversary. A movie shot to commemorate the 30 years of MSPO has guided the audience through the story of the event - starting with the less- than-obvious beginnings, dating back to the January Uprising, then going to the inception of the Old-Polish Industrial Region, Central Industrial Region, and finishing with the controversy surrounding the first edition of the Salon. The movie also presented the latest developments surrounding the MSPO event - also full of challenges, with the COVID-19 pandemic being one of the most significant problems to tackle TURKISH ORCHESTRA RETURNS TO TARGI KIELCE KDT was not the only artistic act performing at this year's MSPO. The National Exhibition of the Turkish Republic was celebrated by the Mehter Ottoman military band's performance. That band is the oldest military band in the world. On the first day of the MSPO event, the band performed twice, getting rounds of applause from the audience. The Mehter band had also performed in Kielce back in 2013 when Turkey was acting as the leading partner nation. This year, 28 representatives of the Turkish defense industry took part in the Turkish portion of the exhibition. MSPO: KEY CONTRACTS A day before the MSPO event began, head of the Polish Ministry of Defence Mariusz Błaszczak, together with the PGZ Group's HSW S.A. facility, and the Armament Agency inked a contract on delivery of Krab self-propelled howitzers for the Polish Armed Forces. The contract, worth PLN 3.8 bn., also covers the acquisition of Command Vehicles (WD), Command-Staff Vehicles (WDSz), and ammunition carriers. Additionally, the MoD also acquired training and logistics support packages. On Tuesday Błaszczak approved another 7 contracts signed by and between the PGZ, and the Armament Agency. Two memoranda on cooperation were concluded by PCO S.A., involving the US-based REB Technologies, and UAE-based Defence Solutions G.T. President at PGZ Sebastian Chwałek, and President at Hyundai Rotem Lee Yong-bae have signed a memorandum on cooperation between the two entities. The memorandum pertains to UGVs and the launch of R&D efforts related to new generation main battle tanks technologies. Meanwhile, Hanwha Defense from South Korea and the PGZ Group have signed a memorandum that defines the rules of partnership, within the scope of manufacturing, maitntenance, LCC, and future development, regarding the K9 howitzers, IFVs, and MLRS systems. DEFENDER GALA A gala, during which the DEFENDER awards were presented, was the closing highlight of the 30th edition of the MSPO event. The distinction above is annually awarded by the Program Council and Contest Commission of the Kielce Defense Industry Exhibition. During the Gala, the President's Award for a product that has the greatest impact on the safety of the Polish soldiers has been presented, alongside distinctions presented by the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Defence, and a Special Award from the Minister of Development and Technologies, Awards from the President of Targi Kielce, and Top Design award for booth arrangements. The following awards and distinctions were presented as well: Distinctions from the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, Awards and Distinctions from the Commander of the Territorial Defence Forces in the area of light infantry kit, as well as awards and distinctions presented by the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. Companies that have been a part of the MSPO event uninterruptedly for 3 decades, were also honored. www.fragoutmag.com