Łukasiewicz Research Network is establishing the Competence Centre for Missile and Ammunition Programmes. The initiative will integrate the research and development potential of a dozen or so Łukasiewicz institutes in the field of defence technologies. The role of the Centre’s coordinator has been entrusted to Łukasiewicz – Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry, which has for years played a leading role in explosives, rocket propellants and advanced ammunition technologies.
During the inauguration, Łukasiewicz representatives emphasised above all the importance of inter-institute synergy: the integration of technologies, infrastructure, laboratories and expert teams. This approach makes it possible to build the chain of competences necessary to carry out complex defence programmes.
“This is another step in implementing the Network’s first strategy, adopted in 2025,” explains Hubert Cichocki, PhD, President of the Łukasiewicz Center. “We are combining the potential of Łukasiewicz institutes to respond more quickly to the needs of both the market and the Polish Armed Forces. Thanks to the synergy of competences and infrastructure, we can carry out projects that until now were beyond the reach of individual entities,” he adds.
The institutes’ broad competences
Łukasiewicz – IPO, as coordinator, presents capabilities including, among others, the development of technologies for double-base and multi-base powders, the synthesis of explosives and functional additives, solid rocket propellant technologies, and the prototype production of the necessary components, including warheads, initiating charges and products for ammunition systems.
The Institute also draws attention to its modern laboratory lines and engineering and research competences, which enable the development of components critical to national missile programmes.
The competences of the remaining Łukasiewicz Research Network institutes include, among others, optoelectronics, special electronics, materials processing, the design of systems and devices, advanced materials, and toxicological and ecotoxicological testing. Cooperation will therefore enable the creation of complete solutions for missile and ammunition systems.
The potential built within the Network makes it possible to design and manufacture almost all components of a modern missile: from the propellant and warhead, through the body and structural elements, to guidance systems, electronics and control systems. Integrating these capabilities within a single Competence Centre is intended to strengthen Poland’s position in defence technologies and increase the strategic autonomy of the state.
Implementing the Network’s Strategy
The Competence Centre for Missile and Ammunition Programmes is already the fourth initiative of this kind. In addition to it, centres are currently operating to coordinate the following areas:
1) unmanned systems (coordinator: Łukasiewicz – Industrial Research Institute for Automation and Measurements PIAP);
2) ballistic protection (coordinator: Łukasiewicz – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials);
3). 3) special electronics (coordinator: Łukasiewicz – Institute of Microelectronics and Photonics).
Their establishment results from the Network’s strategic direction, namely “Defence and state security”. The structure of the Competence Centres makes it possible to efficiently combine the technological potential of the institutes in research and implementation projects, and to integrate solutions in response to the needs of the state and industry.