During the Dentons Defence Days 2026 conference in Warsaw, Jacek Cyrek, Chief Executive Officer of Hanwha Aerospace Europe (HAEU), took part in a panel discussion devoted to the development of the defense industry and the strengthening of deterrence through investment in production capacity and industrial cooperation.
During the debate, he emphasized that effective deterrence begins with industrial capabilities, which cannot be built through funding alone or through individual military equipment purchases. Long-term partnerships, localization of production, technology transfer and the development of local industrial competencies are all of key importance.
“Industrial capabilities are the foundation of deterrence. Building them requires time, consistency and cooperation between industry, government administration and the armed forces,” Jacek Cyrek emphasized.
The panel also highlighted Hanwha Aerospace’s experience in building its international position. The company’s growth was made possible not only by investments in technology and research and development, but also by its readiness to engage in long-term cooperation with foreign partners and to invest in local production capabilities.
The CEO of HAEU pointed to Poland as an example of this approach:
“Industrial cooperation between Hanwha Aerospace and Polish partners began more than a decade ago with the delivery of K9 chassis for the Krab self-propelled howitzer program. Over time, it expanded to include further projects, including K9 howitzers and Homar-K multiple rocket launchers, together with dedicated rocket ammunition. We are ready to further develop industrial cooperation within ongoing programs, as well as in new areas that will allow us to engage the potential of Polish companies and research institutions even more fully, supporting the development of modern technologies and capabilities that are important for the security of Poland and Europe.”
The discussion also addressed lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Participants pointed to the importance of speed, flexibility, resilient supply chains and the ability of industry to adapt quickly to changing operational conditions. It was also noted that future defense systems should not only provide high combat capabilities, but also reduce personnel requirements. One example of this direction of development is the K9A2, the latest variant of the K9 howitzer family, equipped with an automatic loading system that reduces the crew to three soldiers. Solutions of this kind demonstrate how automation can support both combat effectiveness and better management of human resources on the modern battlefield.
Jacek Cyrek joined representatives of the international defense industry, European public institutions and experts focused on security and the development of industrial capabilities.
Dentons Defence Days is a conference organized by Dentons, a global law firm and one of the world’s largest providers of legal services. The event is dedicated to key challenges related to security, the defense industry and the development of European defense capabilities.
