MBDA, the leading European defence Group, and Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna (WAT), a leading Polish military university, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore and establish cooperation in research and development (R&D).

The MOU, signed on 15 December 2025, will establish the conditions and framework for collaboration, facilitating future joint scientific, educational, or technology projects — potentially including advanced defence technologies and innovation.

Working together to strengthen air defence

WAT trains engineers and specialists in anti-aircraft and missile defence, making it a natural partner for MBDA. The main goal of the WAT-MBDA agreement is to build and expand cooperation in education, research, and expertise, especially in modern defence systems. This includes MBDA-specific study programs, internships, and apprenticeships for WAT students at MBDA.

At the signing of the MOU, Col Wojtas thanked MBDA for its support so far and said the agreement will help advance technology and strengthen Poland's defence, as well as the air defence of the North Atlantic Alliance, especially on its eastern side.

Faculty and staff from the Faculty of Mechatronics, Armament and Aviation at WAT, as well as the WML Missile Technology Institute, also attended the meeting, along with MBDA representatives.

Future demand

In the coming years, jobs and production in integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) are expected to grow significantly. This will create a strong demand for specialized engineers.
Starting in the 2025/2026 academic year, WAT’s Faculty of Mechatronics, Armaments, and Aviation will offer two new civilian mechatronics programs focused on air defence, meeting the needs of Poland’s defence industry.

Jim Price, Managing Director MBDA Polska, said: “The signing of this MoU with WAT is an important step in developing MBDA’s position in Poland. Cooperation and building partnerships is part of our DNA and we’re looking forward to working with WAT to further our mutual research and development aims in defence.”

MBDA in Poland

The MOU supports the development of scientific and R&D cooperation, which is underpinned by MBDA’s role in Poland’s NAREW and PILICA+ air defence programs. These programs are important to Poland’s national defence and are in partnership with PGZ S.A. group companies and the Polish Ministry of National Defence

MBDA supplies the CAMM/CAMM-ER family of missiles and launchers for NAREW and PILICA+. The NAREW cooperation includes unprecedented transfer of knowledge and technology to Poland.

>>> Learn more about MBDA work in Poland here.