80+ US Defense Companies Head to Poland for Industry Forum

More than 80 American defense companies are participating in a transatlantic industry initiative beginning in Warsaw on November 9, as the United States seeks to expand cooperation with European manufacturers in drones, counter-drone systems and precision-strike technologies.

The Transatlantic Defense Industry Access Forum 2026 is organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce and led by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

The program begins in Poland before continuing with a Ukraine-focused event in Krakow on November 10 and an industry forum in Rome on November 12.

Unlike a conventional defense exhibition, the initiative is designed around direct meetings between manufacturers, government officials, procurement organizations and potential industrial partners.

Poland's Counter-Drone Program Takes Center Stage

The Warsaw agenda includes discussions on Poland's defense modernization priorities, industrial co-production, allied supply chains and opportunities for American technology companies.

One of the most relevant sessions will examine the integration of U.S. technologies into Poland's SAN counter-drone program and NATO's wider digital infrastructure.

SAN is a major Polish air defense initiative intended to combine radars, electronic warfare systems, guns, missiles and interceptor drones into a coordinated defensive network.

The program presents opportunities for specialized suppliers capable of contributing sensors, software, navigation technologies, propulsion systems and other components.

As AdriaDefense reported on November 7, the program has recently faced questions about its integration and delivery timetable, although Polish defense group PGZ maintains that the work is proceeding according to its agreed schedule.

The forum also includes discussions about Poland's East Shield initiative, which aims to reinforce defensive infrastructure along the country's eastern borders.

Industrial Partnerships and Export Controls

American and Polish companies will examine opportunities for joint production and participation in allied defense supply chains.

The program specifically addresses U.S. export controls, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which can affect technology transfers and cooperation involving sensitive military equipment.

Another session will focus on defense investment, connecting technology developers with capital providers and established industrial companies.

These discussions are particularly relevant to smaller defense technology firms seeking European partners rather than operating through large prime contractors alone.

NATO and Government Officials Expected in Warsaw

The opening program at the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw is scheduled to include Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Thomas Rose, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka and U.S. Commerce Department official David Fogel.

The forum is expected to bring together government representatives, military stakeholders and manufacturers interested in expanding transatlantic industrial cooperation.

Following the Warsaw program, the delegation will move to Krakow for discussions focused on Ukrainian defense requirements, followed by a final event in Italy.

The broader initiative reflects growing efforts to connect American defense innovation with European production capacity and procurement demand.

For Poland, the immediate opportunity is to attract additional suppliers and industrial partners capable of contributing to national and NATO defense modernization programs.

The scale of any resulting investments, procurement agreements or production partnerships will depend on negotiations after the forum. No new contracts have been announced as part of the opening program.