Professor Robert Socha of WSB University Joins the Elite of Poland’s Defence Industry

Professor Robert Socha of WSB University has joined the senior leadership of one of the key institutions in Poland’s defence sector – the Military Aviation Works in Łódź (Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A.). He will now help shape the technological development strategy of this company, fundamental to Poland’s security, serving as a Management Board Member responsible for research and innovation.

Professor Socha is the Head of the Doctoral Seminar in the discipline of Security Studies, Director of the Centre for Security Research in Healthcare, and Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Security Forum. For years, he has successfully combined academic reflection with a tangible impact on national security systems. A retired Police officer, he is an expert in crisis management and public safety, actively developing research and scientific initiatives at WSB University. Now, his knowledge and experience will also contribute to the defence sector, at the very heart of the industrial backbone of the Polish Armed Forces.

The Military Aviation Works No. 1 S.A. has nearly 80 years of tradition. The company specialises in servicing, overhauling, and modernising aircraft of the Polish Armed Forces – including multi-role helicopters and transport aircraft. It is part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) – a national leader consolidating over 50 defence industry companies to ensure Poland’s technological sovereignty and military independence.

PGZ is not only about weapons production – it also develops modern command, communication, and cybersecurity systems. The appointment of Professor Robert Socha to the WZL Management Board sends a clear message: today, the strength of national defence lies in knowledge, innovation, and interdisciplinary expertise.