The Incident at MSPO
The attack took place on Wednesday in the exhibition hall of the historical defense fair, where leading international defense companies display their technological achievements and military equipment. According to authorities, a 21-year-old female from Poznań walked over to the booth of Elbit Systems, one of the largest military technology companies in Israel, and doused the company's booth with a strong-smelling red liquid.

At the same time, a 26-year-old male from Warsaw yelled pro- Palestinian slogans, garnering attention from participants in the event. It was a symbolic action of sorts as the perpetrators were attempting to create an accusation of involvement of Elbit Systems in the Gaza war, and were again specifically blamed for their participation in military activities by companies from Israel.

The event was embraced near where a police officer was stationed and escorted both individuals off the site. The red liquid spraying behind the booth did not cause any injuries. Both were taken into police custody to be interviewed. In a press release, authorities confirmed both the disturbance of public order and criminal damage.

Elbit Systems and Its Controversial Involvement Elbit Systems is one of the most well-known defense and technology companies in Israel. The company specializes in advanced weapon systems, drones, surveillance technology, and military equipment sold to armed forces worldwide.

Recently, the company has faced mounting criticism, particularly with reports that its technology was a component of an Israeli airstrike in April 2024. The attack killed numerous volunteers from the humanitarian organization World Central Kitchen, who were providing humanitarian aid in an active conflict zone.

The attack also killed a Polish citizen, Damian Soból, whose death struck a nerve in Poland and generated massive public outrage. For many activists, this wartime act is a particularly painful representation of military engagements and the human cost to civilians. Its participation in the world's largest defense fair in Poland was therefore considered by critics to be disturbing and offensive, given the company's history of involvement in operations that kill civilians.

Protests and Political Response
The attack on Elbit's booth did not happen in isolation; prior to the MSPO fair, protest were already being organized outside of the exposition space, by pro-Palestinian activists and members of the far-left political party Razem. The semi-legitimate protests included holding signs and banners calling for no Israeli companies to be able to sell weapons in Poland.

Maciej Konieczny, a member of parliament with Razem, was very vocal against the company. He asserted that Poland, a country committed to international human rights commitments, should not let companies such as Elbit Systems compromise on its soil. He stated, “Our international obligations oblige us not to allow these companies into Poland.”

This statement speaks to a wider political/ethical debate in Poland. MSPO is a valuable platform for defense collaboration and economies. Yet, some believe that allowing Israeli companies to attend legitimizes their complicity in conflicts, including people who have died.

Tensions Around MSPO
The helpfully titled International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce is Poland’s most important event of its type and among the largest in Europe. It brings together companies from across the globe to vie for attention while showcasing tractors, armored vehicles to lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWs) such as missiles and drones to communications technologies.

This is a meaningful opportunity for the armed forces in Poland, which is engaged in an ever-expanding modernization of its conventional armed forces following Russia’s war on Ukraine and engages in a number of international security arrangements to disrupt regional threats and provide stability for its political environment.

This year’s event included more than a dozen Israeli manufacturers directly competing with Polish companies to offer equipment that is regularly used and/or has been developed through several wars in Gaza. The motives for why people were paying attention to the Israeli involvement were heightened because of the Middle East conflict, but tensions within the exhibition line-ups were decidedly palpable well before the red liquid attack occurred.

Looking Forward
The arrests in Kielce add a new weight to the argument of how Poland must consider its obligation to deliver on defense needs versus ethical considerations about controversial international conflicts. While the consequences of engaging in unlawful activities through arrests will weigh on the detained protesters, their act will serve as a parallel to the frustration felt by many opposed to military collaboration or partnership with companies with involvement in controversial operations.

For Elbit Systems, this is just another reminder of the scrutiny that exists outside of Israel. It is an extraordinarily large company with many international players in the global defense business and contracts; however, it has also actively been a major participant in several international wars, which have made them a frequent targets for criticism and protest.

With respect to the MSPO fair, organizers have stated the need to minimize the risk and conduct an exhibition that is a safe and professional exhibition (events surrounding) while growing political and social tensions exist. The event remains a key approach for Poland to support and fulfill its defense strategy, as to whether firms such as Elbit will be controversial for years to come.