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HSW

Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. (HSW S.A.), commonly known as HSW, is a contractor and based in , in the . Established in 1937 as part of Poland's , it has grown into a key player in the European defense industry, specializing in the design, production, and modernization of systems, armored vehicles, machinery, and related components for the and international exports. As a subsidiary of the (PGZ) since 2014, HSW employs over 2,000 people and operates advanced manufacturing facilities focused on high-precision military technologies. The company plays a vital role in Poland's , contributing to NATO-compatible equipment and participating in collaborative projects with global partners.

History

Founding and Early Operations

Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) was established as part of Poland's ambitious Central Industrial Region () initiative, launched in February 1937 by the Second Republic's government to accelerate industrialization and strengthen national defense capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions in interwar . The , spanning southeastern and covering approximately 60,000 square kilometers, aimed to create a self-sufficient industrial hub, including steel production and armaments manufacturing, to modernize the Polish military and combat widespread unemployment through job creation for over 50,000 workers. This effort was spearheaded by Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, who envisioned the region as a cornerstone of economic independence, while Minister of Military Affairs Tadeusz Kasprzycki emphasized its strategic role, famously describing the COP as embodying "the steel will of the Polish nation." Construction of the facility, initially named Zakłady Południowe (Southern Works), began on March 20, 1937, with the symbolic cutting of the first pine tree on the site near the San River, marking the start of rapid infrastructure development in what would become the city of Stalowa Wola. The steel mill's groundbreaking occurred on March 20, 1938, and the town itself was constructed in an impressive 26 months and 26 days, achieving substantial completion by June 14, 1939. First steel production commenced in early September 1938, focusing on high-alloy steels essential for military applications, with the facility designed to reach an annual capacity of 100,000 tons by 1939 to support Poland's four-year military modernization program. Engineers and planners, drawing on Kasprzycki's oversight of defense procurement, integrated the mill into a broader network of COP projects to ensure efficient resource allocation and technological advancement. Early operations centered on producing basic military hardware to equip the Polish Army, including artillery pieces such as 100 mm howitzers starting in March 1938 and series production of 100 mm mod. 1914/1919 howitzers at a rate of 16 units per month by 1939, alongside 105 mm and 75 mm cannons, components for Bofors anti-aircraft guns, and heavy machine guns. These outputs prioritized conceptual advancements in metallurgy and weaponry, leveraging the mill's specialized furnaces to manufacture durable, high-quality materials that addressed interwar Poland's vulnerabilities in heavy industry and armaments self-sufficiency. By late 1939, the facility had begun transitioning toward intensified wartime preparations, though full operational scaling was interrupted by the German invasion in September.

World War II and Post-War Reconstruction

Following the in September 1939, the Southern Works in —originally established as part of Poland's pre-war Central Industrial District—were seized by Nazi forces and integrated into the Works conglomerate. In October 1939, specialists assumed operational control, and by June 1940, the facility had been renamed "Stahlwerke – Werk Stalowa Wola," repurposed to manufacture steel products and ammunition components essential to the Wehrmacht's war effort. The plant's output included parts for 37-155 mm artillery cannons, U-boat periscopes, and components for tanks, achieving a peak production rate of 250 cannons per month between 1943 and 1944, though it experienced minimal bombing due to strict operational restrictions. Amid the occupation, Polish resistance groups, notably the (Armia Krajowa), undertook activities to disrupt German production while striving to safeguard the infrastructure for future Polish use. A prominent example was the spring 1944 operation in which resistance fighters stole detailed technical documentation of the Flak 88 anti-aircraft gun, subsequently relaying it to Allied intelligence networks to aid counter-efforts against German armaments. As the Eastern Front shifted westward, the advancing liberated the region in August 1944, temporarily utilizing the facility to repair Soviet military equipment during ongoing battles near the River. The retreating Germans, however, systematically dismantled and looted machinery, causing irreversible damage equivalent to about 20% of the original construction value—estimated at 100 million pre-war Polish zloty—leaving the site in ruins. Under the emerging , the devastated Southern Works were nationalized in early 1945 as part of the communist regime's centralized control over , aligning with broader Soviet-influenced economic policies. Official reopening occurred on January 5, 1945, marking the start of intensive reconstruction amid widespread national devastation from the war. Initial efforts prioritized non-military output to support economic recovery, including agricultural implements like plows, machinery, and roof-tile pressing systems, which addressed immediate civilian needs in the war-ravaged southeastern . On April 1, 1945, the adjacent infrastructure and Stalowa Wola housing estate received formal town privileges, enhancing the site's administrative and logistical framework for rebuilding. Reconstruction persisted through the late , hampered by material shortages and political purges, but gradually restored core making capabilities under state direction. A pivotal milestone came on March 10, 1948, when the enterprise was officially renamed , reflecting its renewed focus as a state-owned and heavy machinery hub. Early communist-era expansions included preparations for licensed Soviet military production, with the facility achieving operational stability by the early 1950s—though full pre-war efficiency was never regained—setting the stage for its role in Poland's industrialized command economy. Throughout this period, emerged as a cornerstone employer in , fostering local resettlement and socio-economic stabilization in a region scarred by occupation and frontline combat, while embodying the tensions of Soviet-dominated reconstruction.

Cold War Expansion and Modernization

During the era, (HSW) underwent significant expansion as a cornerstone of Poland's Soviet-aligned defense industry, driven by successive Five-Year Plans that prioritized and military production to meet requirements. In the and , the company scaled up operations through state investments, constructing new facilities to support both civilian heavy machinery and armaments manufacturing, including licensed Soviet designs for and armored vehicles. By the 1970s, HSW had diversified into earth-moving equipment, exemplified by the TD-40 developed in collaboration with in 1981, featuring a 460 engine and 19 m³ bucket capacity, which represented a pinnacle of non-military heavy engineering output at the time. HSW's military focus intensified, with production centered on barrels, components, and vehicles tailored for forces. The company manufactured D-10 guns for T-54/55 series vehicles starting in 1957, producing components for thousands of units supplied to the and exported abroad. vehicles like the multi-purpose tracked platform, initiated in 1976 at the Z-5 facility, became a major export item, with over 6,500 units delivered to the USSR by 1990 and additional shipments to and other nations. production included licensed Soviet systems such as the 122 mm M-30 from 1951 to 1960, most of which were exported to Pact allies, and later the self-propelled starting in 1984. Key milestones underscored HSW's growing capabilities, including the introduction of specialized steel alloys in the optimized for military applications like high-strength gun barrels and armored hulls. The workforce expanded dramatically, peaking at approximately 15,000 employees in the 1980s to sustain intensified output across facilities. Technological advancements further bolstered efficiency, notably the adoption of furnaces in the , which improved steel quality and production rates for both and heavy machinery sectors by enabling precise alloying and reducing impurities. These developments positioned HSW as a vital supplier within the , contributing to efforts while building on post-war reconstruction foundations.

Post-1989 Restructuring and Integration

Following the fall of communism in , Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) underwent significant to adapt to Poland's transition to a and democratic governance. In 1991, the state-owned Industrial Integrated Plant was transformed into a , marking a pivotal shift from centralized planning to commercial operations while retaining substantial state ownership of approximately 76%. This reorganization occurred amid broader efforts, including initiatives that compelled firms like HSW to specialize in defense production to ensure viability, leveraging its Cold War-era legacy in manufacturing. During the 2000s, HSW pursued strategic divestitures and acquisitions to streamline its operations and focus on core competencies. In February 2012, the company sold its civilian construction machinery division, including the Dressta brand, to China's Machinery Co., Ltd., allowing HSW to concentrate resources on defense-related activities amid ongoing economic reforms. Later that year, HSW acquired Jelcz-Komponenty Sp. z o.o., a manufacturer of specialized components, which expanded its capabilities in production and integrated into its portfolio. A major milestone came in 2014 when HSW joined (PGZ), the state-owned defense holding company established to consolidate Poland's fragmented . As a of PGZ, HSW benefited from enhanced funding and collaboration opportunities, sharpening its emphasis on military research and development while contributing to national defense consolidation efforts that aimed to integrate over 30 companies with a combined value exceeding 5 billion PLN. Subsequent key events further solidified HSW's integrated structure. In December 2021, in Dęblin was merged into HSW as a , bolstering and bridging capabilities for armored programs. This was followed in December 2022 by the acquisition of Sp. z o.o., a Sanok-based bus and coach manufacturer, which was reorganized as an HSW to support dual-use transport solutions. Finally, in September 2023, HSW repurchased its former civilian construction machinery assets, including two production halls and equipment, from Dressta Machinery Sp. z o.o., enabling hybrid military-civilian output and restoring integrated manufacturing under Polish control.

Products and Technologies

Artillery and Fire Support Systems

HSW's artillery portfolio centers on the AHS Krab 155mm self-propelled howitzer, a tracked system designed for high-mobility fire support in modern mechanized operations. Featuring a 52-caliber gun barrel, the Krab achieves a maximum range of 40 km when using base-bleed ammunition, enabling precise indirect fire against enemy artillery, command posts, and armored formations. The system incorporates automated loading and fire control integrated with NATO-standard munitions and communication protocols, reflecting HSW's post-2014 emphasis on interoperability following Poland's deeper alliance commitments. Initial serial deliveries to the Polish Armed Forces commenced in 2017, with the platform equipping artillery regiments such as the 11th Mazurian Artillery Regiment. Production of the has scaled significantly to meet domestic and export demands, with HSW achieving an annual output capacity of approximately 48 units by the mid-2020s through facility expansions and optimizations. Much of the increased has been directed toward replenishing Polish stocks after transfers to , highlighting HSW's role in and regional security support. By late 2025, cumulative deliveries to totaled approximately 60 units, with significant diverted to support through aid and contracts totaling around 72 units. Total orders stand at over 200 units, including the 2016 contract for 120 systems and subsequent batches. HSW's in-house manufacturing of 155mm barrels—capable of lengths up to 11 meters—ensures in key components, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while maintaining quality standards for high-pressure, long-life . This capability supports the Krab's role as a cornerstone of 's modernization, with over 250 units projected for the Polish inventory by the decade's end. Complementing the , HSW produces the Rak 120mm self-propelled , available in both wheeled (on Rosomak ) and tracked (WOT-Ł base) variants for versatile deployment in support roles. The Rak features automated breech-loading and a turret-mounted , allowing a up to 10 rounds per minute with ranges exceeding 8 km for standard , optimized for rapid suppression of enemy positions at the tactical level. Deliveries to the began in 2017, with batches integrated into mechanized brigades for close fire support; by 2023, over 100 units had been fielded, enhancing brigade-level mobility and responsiveness. HSW also maintains production of lighter systems like the wz. 1985/98 Dzwon-P 60mm , a portable weapon updated for contemporary use with improved sights and compatibility for extended-range rounds. This towed provides platoon-level with a range of up to 3.5 km, emphasizing lightweight design for airborne and applications within the structure. While less prominent than heavier systems, it underscores HSW's broad expertise in scalable solutions. In deployment history, Krab units have seen active service with Polish artillery groups in NATO exercises, demonstrating integration with allied command systems for joint operations. As of late 2025, HSW has delivered initial batches of 18 Krab howitzers to as aid starting in , followed by contracted shipments of 54 units, totaling approximately 72 units to support 's defense efforts amid regional conflicts. Rak mortars have similarly supported Polish commitments in multinational battalions, with their wheeled variants proving effective in rapid-response scenarios. These systems highlight HSW's evolution from legacy producer to a key artillery supplier.

Armored and Engineering Vehicles

Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) has expanded its portfolio in armored vehicles since the mid-2010s, focusing on tracked fighting vehicles (IFVs) designed for modern combat environments. The Borsuk amphibious IFV, developed under a led by HSW as part of the of Defence's Nowy Bojowy Pływający Wóz Piechoty (NBPWP) program, represents a key advancement in this area. Initiated in , the project aims to replace aging Soviet-era BWP-1 vehicles with a platform offering enhanced protection, firepower, and mobility. The first prototype was unveiled in 2021, featuring a tracked with amphibious capabilities, allowing it to cross water obstacles at speeds up to 8 km/h while maintaining high maneuverability on land, with a top road speed of 65 km/h. The Borsuk is armed with the remote-controlled turret system, which integrates a 30 mm , a 7.62 mm , and Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles, enabling effective engagement of , light vehicles, and armored threats. Protection meets Level 4 ballistic standards at the front and Level 3 on the sides and roof, supplemented by modular add-on armor, mine protection, and active systems like the OBRA-3 warning receiver for . Its design emphasizes modularity for interoperability, with capacity for up to eight dismounts plus a of three, and integration options for advanced sensors and suites. In March 2025, Poland signed a for 111 Borsuk IFVs, valued at approximately PLN 6.57 billion ($1.7 billion), with deliveries scheduled from 2025 to 2029; this marks the initial tranche of a potential larger acquisition framework. Complementing the Borsuk, HSW unveiled a Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle (HIFV) concept, dubbed Ratel, at the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition in , . This non-amphibious, heavier platform, weighing 42-48 tons and based on an adapted self-propelled chassis, targets high-threat scenarios requiring superior armor and firepower. It incorporates the turret variant with a 30/40 mm automatic cannon option, twin Spike-LR missiles, and enhanced protection exceeding Level 4 across the hull, including against RPGs and IEDs. The HIFV emphasizes rapid deployment and networked operations, with a focus on integrating and NATO-standard electronics for forces compatibility. As a , it builds on HSW's post-2014 pivot toward comprehensive armored solutions, potentially entering production if selected by the . In engineering vehicles, HSW produces the UMI 9.50 Universal Engineering Machine, a militarized derived from the civilian HSW 9.50 model, tailored for battlefield support tasks such as excavation, obstacle clearing, and logistics in contested areas. Equipped with a reinforced cab, all-terrain tires, and modular attachments like blades or grapples, the UMI enhances mobility and survivability, with deliveries to the commencing in 2021, including batches of 19 units alongside SŁ-34C bulldozers. HSW also supports wheeled transport through integrations with trucks, acquired by HSW in the early 2010s as part of the (PGZ) structure; these include high-mobility platforms like the Jelcz 882 series, adapted for armored vehicle towing, resupply, and troop movement, achieving off-road speeds up to 70 km/h while meeting load standards. HSW's emphasis on armored and vehicles intensified after , aligning with Poland's modernization amid regional security shifts, transitioning from a primary focus on to integrated systems. This evolution has resulted in over 100 Borsuk units ordered by late 2025, alongside ongoing engineering vehicle supplies, underscoring HSW's role in bolstering NATO-compatible ground forces.

Ammunition and Related Components

HSW's artillery systems, such as the Krab self-propelled howitzer, are designed to fire standard NATO-compatible 155 mm projectiles, including high-explosive (HE) types and precision-guided variants like the Vulcano or Excalibur munitions, which achieve ranges of up to 50 km with extended-range propulsion systems. The company's mortar platforms, including the Rak self-propelled mortar, utilize 120 mm mortar rounds for indirect fire support, compatible with NATO STANAG 4425 standards for mortar ammunition interchangeability. Additionally, HSW's vehicle-mounted weapon systems incorporate small-caliber ammunition, such as 30 mm rounds for autocannons integrated into turrets on platforms like the Rosomak armored personnel carrier. HSW specializes in advanced barrel manufacturing, producing forged steel gun barrels across calibers from 30 mm to 155 mm at its expanded facility in Stalowa Wola, enabling full domestic production for key systems. For the Krab howitzer, HSW fabricates 155 mm L/52 barrels capable of high muzzle velocities exceeding 900 m/s, with a documented service life of up to 1,500 rounds per manual specification, though operational testing in conflict zones has demonstrated durability exceeding 3,000 rounds before replacement. Similarly, 120 mm barrels for the Rak mortar are produced under license agreements, such as with Rheinmetall, ensuring compatibility with high-rate fire requirements up to 8 rounds per minute. These barrels meet NATO STANAG 4112 ballistic performance criteria, emphasizing precision and reliability in extreme conditions. Beyond ammunition handling, HSW develops integrated turret systems like the ZSSW-30 remotely controlled turret, which mounts a 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II autocannon for anti-armor and infantry suppression roles, alongside twin Spike-LR anti-tank guided missiles with a 5.5 km engagement range and fire-and-forget capability. The turret features bi-axial stabilization and modular integration for wheeled or tracked vehicles, enhancing situational awareness through electro-optical sensors. HSW also produces hull armor kits for its armored vehicles, including composite and reactive armor modules for platforms like the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, providing protection against 14.5 mm projectiles from the front and 7.62 mm from sides per STANAG 4569 Level 3 standards. All HSW components adhere to STANAG interoperability protocols, including STANAG 4600 for vehicle armor testing and STANAG 4280 for ammunition handling safety, ensuring seamless integration within alliance forces. By 2025, HSW's expanded facilities support increased output to meet demands, contributing to the broader (PGZ) goal of over 100,000 155 mm rounds annually across the defense sector.

Organization and Operations

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Huta Stalowa Wola S.A. (HSW) operates as a , having been transformed from a state-owned industrial complex into this legal form on December 31, 1991, as part of Poland's post-communist economic reforms. Following the 1989 and efforts in the sector, HSW was integrated into the state-controlled framework to support industries. Since 2014, it has functioned as a key entity within the Polish defense ecosystem, with its shares distributed among major stakeholders including the state and energy firms. The company's ownership is dominated by , the state-owned overseeing Poland's , which holds 86.42% of HSW's shares as the majority owner. Additional stakes include 5.49% by the State Treasury, 0.83% by PGE Obrót S.A., 0.64% by , and 6.62% by other investors. HSW's nominal stands at 332,905,973 PLN, divided into 70,085,468 shares each valued at 4.75 PLN, fully paid as of the latest registry. Total was reported at approximately 2,608 million PLN in 2023, reflecting its financial position within the PGZ group. HSW manages a group structure that includes full subsidiaries and branches focused on complementary and mobility production. Jelcz Sp. z o.o., specializing in military trucks and high-mobility vehicles, is 100% owned by HSW since its acquisition in 2012. In December 2022, HSW acquired , a manufacturer of buses and fire trucks based in , integrating it as a branch to expand civilian and specialized vehicle capabilities. Additionally, in September 2023, HSW repurchased its former civilian construction machinery division from Dressta Machinery Sp. z o.o., including production assets and employee transfers, to consolidate heavy engineering operations and enhance group capabilities in civilian sectors. Other related entities include 50% stakes in Operator Finansowy Sp. z o.o. and Biał-Pol Kontakt Sp. z o.o., supporting financial and contact services. Governance at HSW is led by a management board supervised by PGZ-appointed oversight, ensuring alignment with national defense priorities. As of November 2025, the board is headed by Marek Karabuła, appointed on August 29, 2025, following a qualification procedure, with responsibilities encompassing strategic direction and operational execution. The structure emphasizes compliance with Polish corporate law and defense regulations, with the providing checks on major decisions. Financially, HSW derives the majority of its revenue from defense contracts, totaling around 3.42 billion PLN in 2024, underscoring its in and vehicle production. efforts are allocated through PGZ's centralized framework, prioritizing innovations in armored systems and munitions to meet evolving needs.

Facilities, Workforce, and Key Personnel

Huta Stalowa Wola's main facility serves as both its headquarters and primary steel mill, located at ul. gen. Tadeusza Kasprzyckiego 8 in , . This site encompasses extensive production infrastructure, including foundries for metal casting and large halls dedicated to defense equipment. The complex supports integrated operations from to final , forming a core part of 's . The company employs approximately 3,500 workers, with a strong emphasis on skilled trades such as and roles essential for precision manufacturing. Workforce development is bolstered through partnerships with vocational centers and universities, including collaborations under the (PGZ) framework to provide specialized training in defense technologies. These programs aim to maintain high technical proficiency amid expanding production demands. Key leadership includes President of the Management Board Marek Karabuła, who oversees general operations and strategic direction, supported by members such as Barbara Cena (finance) and Paweł Smogór (production and logistics). Karabuła's tenure focuses on enhancing export capabilities and production efficiency. Historically, post-1945 directors played pivotal roles in reconstructing the facility after , transitioning it from wartime damage to a centralized and armaments producer by 1948. Production operations at the Stalowa Wola facility often involve continuous shifts to meet defense contracts, particularly for systems like the Krab self-propelled howitzer, enabling timely deliveries to the . Environmental compliance is integrated into daily activities, with initiatives promoting electronic documentation to reduce paper use and broader efforts to minimize emissions from steel processing in line with standards. The company maintains oversight from its parent PGZ Group to ensure sustainable practices.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

Major Contracts and Exports (2010s-2025)

In December 2016, the Polish Ministry of National Defence signed a contract valued at approximately 4.6 billion PLN with Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) for the delivery of 96 Krab 155 mm self-propelled howitzers, along with associated command and support vehicles, bringing the total number of units ordered under the "Regina" program to 120, including earlier batches from the early 2010s. This deal marked a significant expansion of Poland's artillery modernization efforts, with deliveries commencing in 2019 and continuing through the early 2020s to equip units such as the 5th Mazovian Artillery Regiment. By 2022, the program had grown further through additional orders, including 48 more Krab howitzers contracted for 3.8 billion PLN, pushing the total toward 250 units to enhance the Polish Army's fire support capabilities amid regional security concerns. In August 2023, HSW, as part of a consortium with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), signed a framework agreement with the Armament Agency for the supply of several hundred Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicles (CBWP), based on the Krab chassis and equipped with advanced turret systems, with potential deliveries scaling up to 700 units over the coming decade to replace aging BMP-1 platforms. HSW's export activities gained momentum in the , particularly through support for following Russia's . In 2022, Poland donated a total of 54 howitzers to Ukraine, with an initial batch of 18 delivered that year. A commercial contract signed in June 2022 provided for 56 additional units, valued at approximately EUR 600 million, with deliveries completed by mid-2024. These transfers highlighted HSW's role in NATO-aligned supply chains, with the Krab's 155 mm NATO-compatible design facilitating rapid integration into allied operations. While specific Middle Eastern exports of trucks remain limited due to regional restrictions, HSW has pursued diversification through partnerships that extend its wheeled vehicle platforms to international markets. Recent deals in the mid-2020s underscore HSW's deepening international collaborations. In April 2025, HSW signed a contract valued at approximately 1.1 billion PLN (USD 280 million) with South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace for the supply of chassis components and powerpacks for 87 Krab howitzers, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 to 2028 to support ongoing Polish Army expansions. Domestically, HSW resumed Krab deliveries to the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment in Bolesławiec in 2024, providing batches including eight howitzers, command vehicles, and ammunition resupply units to restore full operational readiness after a production pause. In 2025, HSW advanced the Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) program with an execution contract in March for 111 units (valued at 6.5 billion PLN, deliveries 2025-2029) and a framework agreement in May for up to 1,400 vehicles (approximately EUR 17.2 billion). At MSPO 2025 in September, HSW signed strategic cooperation agreements with BAE Systems and Saab for technology integration in armored systems. On November 3, 2025, HSW signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Allison Transmission Inc. for integrating automatic transmissions into its defense vehicles. As of December 2024, HSW had secured major contracts totaling over 17 billion PLN since 2014, driven by and programs, with further significant contracts in 2025 including the Borsuk program. This economic growth has supported workforce expansion and facility upgrades at HSW's site, while fostering technology transfers that enhance interoperability with Western allies.

Research, Innovation, and International Collaborations

Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) has advanced its research and development efforts through the unveiling of the Ratel heavy infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) concept at the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition, emphasizing enhanced mobility, firepower, and integration with modern battlefield systems. The Ratel, designed for a two-person crew and capable of carrying six to eight dismounts, incorporates the ZSSW-30 remote-controlled turret for precise fire support in high-threat environments. Additionally, the AHS Krab self-propelled howitzer supports extended-range ammunition exceeding 40 km using advanced projectile technologies for improved operational reach. HSW's international collaborations have strengthened its technological capabilities, particularly through partnerships focused on and joint production. In 2024, HSW signed a with South Korea's to integrate K9 Thunder components onto the Polish , enabling localized production and enhancing system interoperability. This agreement, expanded in April 2025 with a for components valued at approximately USD 280 million, supports deliveries from 2026 to 2028 and includes provisions for modular production. In parallel, HSW deepened ties with through specialized training programs; on August 22, 2024, certificates were issued to HSW personnel for servicing M903 missile launchers, certifying the company as an authorized supplier and maintenance provider. HSW is also prioritizing the integration of unmanned systems, with ongoing work on remotely controlled turrets like the , where full delivery of 70 units is scheduled by 2026 to enable autonomous capabilities in IFVs and other platforms. Looking ahead, the city of , home to HSW, is pursuing broader regional strategies through the Space4Talents project to foster ties and attract talent, including participation in the Space Apps Challenge and CASSINI Space Camps in 2025. Within the (PGZ), HSW benefits from investments in laboratory expansions, such as the launch of a new RTG () facility in a dedicated hall for non-destructive testing of large welded structures, enhancing in R&D pipelines.

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