MBDA, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa sign cooperation agreement

Feb. 3 (UPI) -- European defense contractors MBDA Missile Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa signed a strategic partnership agreement for future projects.

The deal aims to enhance mutual cooperation between the two companies in the field of missiles and missile systems. According to a statement released by MBDA, the agreement also provides a framework for future cooperation on missile programs for Poland's Technical Modernization Plan.

Company officials say the accord puts both parties in a better position in the event the government of Poland contracts MBDA for missile defense work.

"Thanks to this we are now confident that we can obtain the competences and deliver a number of military programs, especially the 'Narew' short range air defense system, among others," PGZ's managing board president Arkadiusz Siwko said in a press release.

Paul Stanley, MBDA's vice president for Northern Europe, adds the signing also facilitates a transfer of known-how and capabilities for PGZ Group companies, which will now have the opportunity to contribute to the development of launchers, command and control systems, support vehicles and other products.

"This is the best way to develop defense industrial capabilities within the partner nation which then guarantees them free access to capability and so meets their requirements for sovereignty and freedom of use," he said.