Canada signed renewed defence cooperation deal with Poland at arms fair in Kielce
Ottawa officials and Polish counterparts signed an updated bilateral agreement focused on military capability development and training. The deal follows a trade mission featuring over 500 delegates visiting the MSPO exhibition.
Canada strengthened its strategic relationship with Poland following a significant defence industry exhibition held in Kielce. Defence Minister David McGuinty and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu led an official mission that included more than 200 organizations and nearly 500 delegates. During the event, which Canada hosted as the lead nation for 2026, officials from Ottawa and Poland renewed their bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement. This new framework is designed to enhance military cooperation, share strategic priorities, and accelerate the development of defence capabilities through joint training programs. The agreement aims to facilitate closer collaboration between the two nations' defence industries.
This renewed engagement addresses Canada's need to diversify its defence export market. Domestic data indicates that Canadian defence exports reached approximately C$8 billion in 2024, with the majority routing to the United States at a rate of 63%. European markets, specifically excluding Britain, represented only 17% of those exports in the same period. By expanding ties with Europe and Poland, Ottawa seeks to reduce its reliance on American buyers. The exhibition provided manufacturers with increased visibility against this backdrop of shifting international trade dynamics.
