Poland’s Mesko Increases Small-Caliber Ammunition Output Fivefold

Polish defense manufacturer Mesko has increased its small-caliber ammunition production capacity fivefold — from 50 million to 250 million rounds per year — Defence24.pl reported.

The expansion was made possible by launching four new production lines, enabling the facility to manufacture one million cartridges per working day.

The lines are housed in a newly constructed workshop officially opened on Friday, June 13, with the participation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The Skarżysko-Kamienna facility is part of the broader Projekt 400 investment initiative, launched in 2019 and co-financed with state funds.

The total budget of Projekt 400 is PLN 466.7 million, including PLN 400 million from the Ministry of State Property’s reprivatization fund.

The project encompasses over 1,000 pieces of equipment and over 20 facilities across Skarżysko-Kamienna and Pionki.

Mesko is also implementing Projekt 44.7, which aims to minimize reliance on imported gunpowder by increasing domestic production capabilities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Tusk called Mesko — which produces the Piorun man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) and licensed Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missiles — the “pride of the Polish defense industry.”

In early May, Mesko announced it was expanding its production of 155 mm artillery shells and working to establish full-cycle manufacturing capability by developing domestic production of modular propellant charges.

The company is increasing output at its plant in Kraśnik, aiming to produce 150,000 shells annually.

To support this goal, Mesko has upgraded equipment for hot plastic forming, mechanical processing, and heat treatment, and has invested in modern lathes and precision measurement systems.