Polish government officials inadvertently exposed sensitive military equipment details through published photos during recent visits.
Prime Minister Tusk’s Visit to Huta Stalowa Wola
On Monday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Huta Stalowa Wola, where military equipment including self-propelled howitzers KRAB, Infantry Fighting Vehicles BORSUK, and Remote Controlled Turret System ZSSW-30 are produced. During his visit, the head of government recorded a video in which he referred to opponents of the SAFE program as “blockheads.” Among the photos published by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, elements of the produced equipment can be seen, specifically the turret body of the ZSSW-30.
Criticism of Photo Publication
The publication of the ZSSW-30 turret body photograph was criticized as it should not have been made public. This is not the first such incident, as previous ruling governments have also made similar mistakes, according to Antoni Walkowski from Defence24.pl portal.
Photos of this type should never be published, as the military typically ensures sensitive data like fire control system details, information systems, and special armor specifications remain confidential. The Ministry of Defense institutions strictly enforce that no one, including journalists, reveals military secrets, while politicians appear to be immune from such concerns, commented the journalist.
ZSSW-30 Turret System Purpose
As Huta Stalowa Wola explains on its website, the Remote Controlled Turret System “is intended to counter, destroy or disable lightly and heavily armored targets and other enemy objects under various climatic conditions, regardless of the time of day, as well as to provide fire support to subunits during combat operations.”
President Nawrocki’s Photo with Map
In December, similar concerns arose when the National Security Bureau published photos from President Karol Nawrocki’s meeting with Polish Army soldiers and Border Guard officers on the eastern border. One photo showed the president standing with soldiers at a table with a map.
“The President of Poland may not be familiar with security protocols, but the head of the National Security Bureau should be. From officers, we have the right to demand knowledge of sensitive information management laws,” commented Gen. Mirosław Różański, former commander-in-chief of the armed forces and now a senator, on the X platform. “Publishing photos with operational maps compromises those in the picture.”
National Security Bureau’s Response
The National Security Bureau explained on the X platform that “the photos from the President’s visit to Poland’s eastern border do not reveal any sensitive data, especially since they were taken in controlled and agreed-upon locations with the military.” They added: “We appeal to refrain from insinuations about the naivety and lack of professionalism of our soldiers and commanders. On a daily basis, they are direct targets of hybrid activities from Belarus. As you can see, not only Belarusian services conduct disinformation campaigns against Polish soldiers who protect our security.”