Polish tractor manufacturer Ursus plans to start producing military equipment

The legendary Polish tractor manufacturer Ursus may have a new lease on life in the defense sector after being acquired by MI Crow, a company linked to Ukrainian businessman Oleh Krot, Polish publication Farmer reports.

The plant, which went bankrupt at the beginning of the year, was acquired for PLN 74 million and plans to completely refocus production on military equipment, returning to its historical roots of the interwar period.

"This is a completely new page in the history of the legendary factory," the new owners said in a statement, pledging to preserve existing jobs and expand the staff with additional specialists.

Before World War II, Zaklady Mechaniczne Ursus already had experience in producing military products, including tank engines and components for the Sokol army motorcycles.

According to experts, such a move corresponds to the growing demand for defense equipment in the region against the backdrop of the current geopolitical situation.

The acquisition of Ursus is part of a broader trend of Ukrainian businesses entering the Polish defense sector. A number of Ukrainian companies already operate in the country, producing reconnaissance drones, anti-tank missiles, and armored vehicles.

The new management of the plant sees its strategic location and existing industrial infrastructure as key advantages for the development of military production.

As previously reported, in 2024, Ukraine began producing missiles with a range of over 640 km.