The Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka have paid an official visit to Madrid on June 22-23.

On the second day of the visit, the delegations visited an Airbus Defence industrial and Space complex in Getafe, where it was received by the company’s president for Spain, Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura. The representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Defence have seen the modification line for the multi role transport and refuelling A330 MRTT aircraft and the service centre for heavy transport A400M aircraft.

- Today we have discussed transport and refuelling aircraft. We have already said so in the production hall, where you could see how this aircraft looks and what its capabilities are. These are extraordinary: transport, air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation and many more, which the Polish Air Force badly needs to use the full potential of the F-35s. It is simply impossible without air-to-air refuelling. It makes the operation take much less time, especially with the use of all the systems available. These minutes are key to the security of Poland. If not for allied air-to-air refuelling aircraft, the capabilities of F-35s to intercept foreign aerial vehicles couldn’t be used in full on the night of 9 and 10 September. I take full responsibility for these words. A critical purchase is Ahead of us. The SAFE programme enters its second phase. We will continue to use these funds in the Polish industry or for those partners who will invest in Poland, as we gain the capabilities indicated by the military. The capabilities of air-to-air refuelling, medical evacuation and transport and troop transportation are absolutely critical.
- noted the Minister of National Defence after the meeting with the representatives of the Spanish defence industry.

- To all those who prophesied that after finishing procurement in Poland we will make way to Berlin, you’ve missed again. Today we are in Spain. The largest purchase in the SAFE programme regards one of the key capabilities for the Polish Armed Forces, a capability that wasn’t secured by any of the previous governments, that is air-to-air refuelling. Especially the night of 9 and 10 September, when Russian drones have violated Polish airspace, showed how much that capability is needed for our fighter aircraft to be fully operational. And today we are discussing gaining that capability. This is what we are using the SAFE mechanism for - stressed the Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence, Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka.

The main point on Tuesday’s agenda were the bilateral talks in the Ministry of Defence of Spain. After the welcoming ceremony for the Polish delegation, the Ministers Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Margarita Robles have met one on one, and were joint later by their delegations.

- I know that transport and air-to-air refuelling aircraft are an important topic for everyone, especially in Poland. It is one of the most important projects. We’ve had situations when previous governments have postponed or never took a decision, or even have blocked the development of these capabilities. Our government is determined to implement the capabilities for air-to-air refuelling and air transport. We will want to purchase this aircraft as part of the SAFE programme, jointly with Spain. We have signed a memorandum on 29 May that obliges both countries to follow through with the purchase. Now we are transitioning towards the execution phase. I am grateful for the openness of the Ministry of Defence of Spain, the Secretary of State and everyone involved in the process of modernization of the Spanish Armed Forces, with regards to making production slots available for our needs. We have given ourselves two weeks, up until the NATO Summit in Ankara, to agree to all the details, but we are well on our way.  Poland and Spain will jointly procure refuelling and transport aircraft. The matter that remains is the number of aircraft and production possibilities. - said Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz after the bilateral meeting.

- Spain knows that an attack on any ally is an attack on Spain. We will develop our capabilities, invest in defence, build skills and expand our defence industry. Just like before, we will take part in missions. I think that this message of unity is the best signal we can send to Russia. 
- noted the Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Spain, Margarita Robles.

The visit to the Spanish Ministry of Defence ended with the ceremony of awarding Polish Army Medals. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, in the presence of his Spanish counterpart, recognized four soldiers of the Spanish Armed Forces for their extraordinary contributions to intensifying military cooperation and strengthening allied bonds between the two countries. 

On the first day of the visit, the delegation took part in a ceremony taking place in the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Madrid, organized together with the Polish diaspora and the alumni of Polish schools. During the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has presented fourteen Polish high school graduates living in Madrid their diplomas.

>>> GALLERY – Polish-Spanish talks on defence and security in Madrid