Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) is teaming with Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1), a company of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, to develop in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities for Honeywell AGT 1500 gas turbine engines used in M1 Abrams tanks operated by the Polish Armed Forces. Today, the companies signed an agreement establishing an authorized service center for the AGT 1500 in Deblin, which strengthens Poland’s long-term support infrastructure for its armed forces.
Poland recently ordered 366 Abrams tanks, creating a long-term requirement for reliable maintenance, repair and life-cycle support of the engines that power the fleet. Locating AGT 1500 engine sustainment capabilities in Poland means closer access to engine expertise and stronger local capacity to maintain a critical system of the Abrams platform throughout its service life. The service center is expected to open in 2028.
As the original equipment manufacturer of the AGT 1500 engine, Honeywell will provide technical support and training to WZL-1 personnel.
“Our role is to help customers turn advanced technology into operational capability,” said Dave Marinick, president & CEO, Engines & Power Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. “The development of AGT 1500 sustainment capabilities in Poland will strengthen local skills, service capacity and the wider Polish security ecosystem.”
“Ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of equipment used by the Polish Armed Forces not only contributes to the development of the industrial capabilities of the entire Polish Armaments Group, but also plays a crucial role in strengthening national security,” said Jacek A. Goszczynski, PhD. Eng., CEO of Wojskowe Zaklady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A.
“We are consistently investing in the technological, competency, and business development of companies within the Polish Armaments Group. The agreement between WZL1 and Honeywell will, on the one hand, address the needs of the Polish Armed Forces as the largest operator of Abrams tanks in the region. On the other hand, the establishment of the only authorized AGT1500 engine service center in Europe creates an opportunity to service these engines for additional European Abrams users, as well as for U.S. Army tanks stationed at bases on our continent, including in Poland,” said Adam Leszkiewicz, CEO of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A.
“For Honeywell, this project is about building lasting sustainment capability where it matters most – close to the fleet and close to the user,” said Piotr Marczuk, Honeywell Aerospace’s Defense & Space leader in Central & Eastern Europe. “By supporting WZL-1 in developing specialized AGT 1500 maintenance, diagnostics and repair expertise, we are helping strengthen Poland’s Abrams readiness today and create capabilities that could serve Abrams users across Europe in the future.”
The AGT 1500 is central to the Abrams platform’s performance, enabling superior acceleration and mobility. Delivering 1,500 horsepower, the gas turbine engine provides the power and responsiveness required by a heavy armored vehicle operating in demanding field conditions.
The scope of the new AGT 1500 Depot may expand in the future beyond repair and overhaul services. The parties will evaluate the potential launch of spare parts manufacturing or repair in Poland as part of a broader industrial strategy focused on transatlantic cooperation and the development of a resilient supply chain.