WZL-1 is part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, Poland’s state-owned defence industrial group. Honeywell said the project will develop in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities for the engines that power Poland’s Abrams tanks.
Poland has recently ordered 366 Abrams tanks, creating a long-term requirement for engine sustainment, repair and life-cycle support. The new service centre is expected to open in 2028.
Honeywell, as the original equipment manufacturer of the AGT1500 engine, will provide technical support and training for WZL-1 personnel. The company said locating sustainment capabilities in Poland will give the armed forces closer access to specialist engine expertise and strengthen local support capacity.
“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.”
Jacek A. Goszczynski, chief executive of Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A., said the agreement supports both industrial development and national security. “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,” he said.
Adam Leszkiewicz, chief executive of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., said the project reflects continued investment in the group’s technological and business capabilities. “We are consistently investing in the technological, competency, and business development of companies within the Polish Armaments Group,” he said.
“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,” Leszkiewicz added. “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.”
Piotr Marczuk, Honeywell Aerospace’s defence and space leader in Central and Eastern Europe, said the project is focused on building sustainment capacity close to the user. “For Honeywell, this project is about building lasting sustainment capability where it matters most – close to the fleet and close to the user,” he said.
“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,” Marczuk added.
The AGT1500 engine is central to the Abrams tank’s mobility and battlefield performance. The gas turbine engine delivers 1,500 horsepower, supporting acceleration and responsiveness for a heavy armoured vehicle operating in demanding field conditions.
Honeywell said the scope of the new AGT1500 depot could expand in the future beyond repair and overhaul services. The companies will assess the potential for spare parts manufacturing or repair in Poland as part of a wider industrial strategy focused on transatlantic cooperation and a more resilient supply chain.
