The NRA budget is running low. What next with the Polish ammunition supply?
The budget of the National Ammunition Reserve is running out. General Kuptel suggests major changes in the NRA so that Poland can increase its ammunition supplies.
General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armament Agency, admitted in an interview with “Rzeczpospolita” that the National Ammunition Reserve (NRA) is facing serious financial difficulties. The NRA budget of PLN 12 billion, of which almost PLN 11 billion has already been allocated for the purchase of ammunition from Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), significantly limits the possibility of further investments. The remaining amount is just over PLN 1 billion, which puts further purchases into question.
There is a shortage of ammunition in Poland
Kuptel emphasized that in order for Poland to increase its ammunition stocks, including 155 mm, it is necessary to change the approach to the functioning of the NRA. This program must be adapted to the current requirements of the arms market and its assumptions revised. He added that the responsibility for acquiring ammunition rests not only with the NRA, but also with the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS).
The general also referred to the recent cancellation of the tender for the purchase of 155 mm ammunition. This decision was the result of a government resolution aimed at developing national capabilities in ammunition production. Currently, preparations are underway to sign a contract with Polska Amunicja, but it will be finalized only after determining all details regarding financial, legal aspects and contractual penalties.****
Kuptel pointed out that in the current situation we cannot forget about the role played by RARS, which is also responsible for the purchase of ammunition. He also expressed the belief that changes to the NRA are necessary to meet the requirements of the modern market and provide an adequate number of bullets**,
Official position
oWhen the journalist commented that there was no budget for another contract in the National Ammunition Reserve, the head of the Armament Agency admitted that it was true. “PLN 12 billion has been allocated for the purchase of ammunition under the NRA. The cost of the ammunition we obtain from the PGZ consortium is almost PLN 11 billion. So there is just over PLN 1 billion left under the NRA program,” he pointed out. He added that we should not forget “about the second entity indicated in the resolution responsible for acquiring ammunition, i.e. the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves. “If we want to acquire more missiles, the NRA formula must be thoroughly revised and its assumptions made more realistic in line with the current situation on the arms market,” Kuptel said. (PAP)