Aleksander Olech appointed Editor-in-Chief of Defence24.com

The Defence24 Group – the largest independent analytical and media centre in Central and Eastern Europe – is launching a new version of its English-language portal Defence24.com. The new Editor-in-Chief, Dr Aleksander Olech, Head of International Cooperation at Defence24, stresses that this is a response to the challenges Poland currently faces on the international stage: the full-scale war beyond its eastern border, hybrid activities, migratory pressure on the frontiers, and dynamic changes within NATO and the European Union. These factors demand a systematic and professional presentation of developments in the region, set within the wider NATO, EU, and transatlantic context, to international audiences.

Poland is now implementing one of the most advanced armed-forces modernisation programmes in Europe, covering the procurement of tanks, artillery systems, drones, missile-defence assets, aviation and naval equipment, as well as the development of military infrastructure and greater interoperability with NATO allies. The new version of Defence24.com is a project of strategic importance not only from a defence perspective but also as an initiative promoting the Polish defence industry and economy. For years the Defence24 Group has served as the principal medium reporting on these developments at home.

The English-language edition will take this message to an international level, presenting the successes of the Polish Armed Forces and domestic industrial companies (including PGZ, Mesko, HSW, WB Group) in a manner that is clear and attractive to foreign partners. Promoting these projects within NATO, the EU or among foreign investors will not only reinforce Poland’s position as a regional leader but also attract technological partners and build confidence in the competence of Polish firms.

Finally, Defence24.com is a strategic voice on defence, security, and the economy, engaging with EU, NATO, and global partners. As the leading independent media and analytical centre in Central and Eastern Europe, the portal offers expert-driven content on defence, security, strategic affairs, and transatlantic relations. It delivers daily analysis, commentary, and news on defence policy, armed forces, the defence industry, NATO–EU cooperation, and the broader transatlantic security landscape. By presenting developments through a regional and international lens, Defence24.com supports informed debate and strengthens communication with audiences worldwide, including policymakers, analysts, institutions, and industry stakeholders.

„Defence24, as a group, is expanding its international presence through the growth of the English-language service Defence24.com. In line with this development, Aleksander Olech becomes Editor-in-Chief of the English-language portal. He is a person with international experience and a strategic outlook that perfectly matches our direction of development – also beyond Poland’s borders.” – says August Żywczyk, Vice-President of the Management Board of Defence24 Sp. z o.o.

The Defence24.com portal will serve as a platform promoting partnerships with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Finland, Sweden, Estonia and other key Allies, underlining Poland’s role as a pillar of NATO’s eastern flank. For years the events organised by the Defence24 Group – such as Defence24Days, Cyber24Day and Strategic Defence Talks – have strengthened Poland’s message in the field of security and international cooperation.

„The English-language portal Defence24.com has the potential to become one of the key instruments of Poland’s strategic communication. It is a tool of information diplomacy, economic promotion and the strengthening of our country’s position in Europe and worldwide. Extending Defence24’s reach to foreign audiences will allow the Polish perspective to reach decision-makers, analysts, media and opinion leaders in allied countries. In an environment of intensifying narrative competition, this project aligns with the priorities of security policy, economic policy and the promotion of national interests. The English-language version of Defence24.com should play an important role as an instrument of modern diplomacy, support for cooperation and the building of Poland’s strategic presence on the international stage,” emphasises Dr Aleksander Olech.

„I am very grateful for the trust shown by the Management Board and all colleagues in the Defence24 Group. An international presence, with special regard to Poland’s strategic interests, is the foundation of the new English-language portal’s activity. I firmly believe we will keep pace with the Group’s other services: Defence24.pl, CyberDefence24.pl, Energetyka24.pl, Space24.pl and InfoSecurity24.pl. This is a unique opportunity and a huge motivation for me to strengthen the information space about our region among foreign audiences together with the team. It is certainly an ambitious challenge, but I believe in our immense potential,” – he adds.

The service will provide daily analyses and commentaries on security, defence, cyberspace, the defence industry, and new technologies. Its content is aimed at foreign decision-makers, experts, journalists, and industry representatives, offering access to information and analyses from the perspective of Central and Eastern Europe, with particular emphasis on regional and transatlantic security issues.

Since 2024 Dr Aleksander Olech has served as Head of International Cooperation at the Defence24 Group, with which he has cooperated since 2022. He lectures at domestic and international universities, including the Baltic Defence College, and has been a NATO associate and Deputy Director of the Africa and Middle East Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In recent years he has worked intensively with many NATO Centres of Excellence – including NATO ENSEC COE in Vilnius (Lithuania), NATO StratCom COE in Riga (Latvia), NATO CCD COE in Tallinn (Estonia) and NATO COE DAT in Ankara (Türkiye) – focusing on strengthening cooperation within the Alliance in security, strategic communication, counter-terrorism and the development of new technologies. A graduate of the European Academy of Diplomacy and the War Studies University, he specialises in Franco-Russian relations, security challenges in Africa and NATO security policy.