Alioth

Foundation

We believe that a strong defense sector is the cornerstone of a modern state.

The key to success lies in building public awareness around national security, fostering innovation, and cultivating a strategic culture. Thoughtful investments in defense not only strengthen our national position — they also drive economic growth and stimulate progress in other industrial sectors. This is why shaping public discourse in this area carries a social dimension and concerns each of us.

At Alioth Foundation, we combine expert knowledge with practical action to ensure that investments in the defense sector deliver long-term benefits to future generations. Our experts and collaborators share their insights through analyses, publications, and active participation in public debate — helping our message reach the widest possible audience. In cooperation with public institutions, NGOs, academia, and the business sector, we are building a safer Poland for tomorrow.

Our Mission

Raising

Public

Awareness

We educate on the importance of national security and defense, laying the groundwork for strategic decision-making and responsible investment.

Fostering

Domestic

Innovation

We promote the development of new technologies in the defense sector by creating space for collaboration, nurturing talent, and advancing innovative solutions.

Creating

a Platform

for Collaboration

We bring together defense, science, and business to facilitate knowledge and technology transfer — generating synergy and tangible benefits for Poland’s economy.

Developing

Strategic

Culture

We support the growth of strategic thinking in Poland by empowering future leaders and security experts.

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values

resonate with you?

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The Alioth

Foundation Team

The Alioth Foundation is made up of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in defense, security, and strategic planning.

We are a team of practitioners — military personnel, analysts, and specialists — united by a shared mission: to educate the public, support innovation, and strengthen strategic competencies.

GEN. DIV. (RET.) PILOT, PhD Eng.

Włodzimierz Usarek

President of the Board

Former Commander of the 2nd Tactical Air Wing and the Air Operations Center – Air Component Command. Recipient of the Gold Cross of Merit and the Air Force Cross of Merit; twice awarded the title of “Distinguished Military Pilot.” Currently Rector of the Prince Mieszko I Academy of Applied Sciences in Poznań.

GEN. DIV. (RET.) PILOT

Jacek Pszczoła

Vice President of the Board

Led the introduction of the F-16 into the Polish Air Force, training pilots for NATO certification and international missions. Held command positions including the 2nd Tactical Air Wing and Inspector of the Air Force. Decorated with the Silver Cross of Merit and the Air Force Cross of Merit.

Gen. (ret.)

Jarosław Mika

Expert

Former General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces, previously commanding the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division. Participated in military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and led the largest Polish army exercises since 1989. Awarded the Commander's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. Expert in defense strategy and armed forces modernization.

Rear Admiral (ret.)

Krzysztof Zdonek

Expert

Maritime security specialist, former Deputy Inspector of the Polish Navy and commander of the 3rd Ship Flotilla. Coordinated NATO operations in the Baltic Sea and took part in numerous international exercises. Decorated with the Gold Cross of Merit; active lecturer and advisor on naval operations.

COL. (RET.) PILOT

Krystian Zięć

Expert

First Polish F-16 instructor certified by the USAF and USANG. Commanded the 32nd Tactical Air Base and COMAO tactical groups. Innovator in operational efficiency and responsible for air operations during NATO exercises and F-16 system certification.

COL. (RET.)

Piotr Gąstał

Expert

Col. (ret.) Dr.

Marcin Kolasa

Expert

Military physician and longtime head of the Military Medical Training Center. Expert in battlefield medicine, author of scientific publications and innovative training programs for Armed Forces medical personnel. Awarded the Silver Cross of Merit; academic lecturer and consultant in medical rescue.

COL. (RET.) PhD PILOT

Tadeusz Pieciukiewicz

Expert, member of the F-16 implementation review team

Graduate of the Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin, also studied at the Military Aviation Academy in Monino, the US Army War College, and the NATO Defense College. Doctor of Military Science and former Commander of the Air Operations Center. After service, worked at the F-16 Office and the Armament Inspectorate at the Ministry of National Defense.

LT. COL. (RET.) PILOT

Tomasz Czerwiński

Expert, member of the F-16 implementation review team

Flight instructor and commander of the M-346 Squadron and the “White-and-Red Sparks” aerobatic team. Graduate of training programs in the US and Italy; expert in leadership and combat navigation (JTAC). Recipient of the 2012 Buzdygan Award. Lecturer at LAW in Dęblin.

Anna Brzozowska

Expert, member of the F-16 implementation review team

Over 30 years of experience in flight simulation and simulator production. Former CEO of ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries, overseeing the F-16 offset program. Currently Director of Simulator Programs at Alioth Group.

Kamil Mazurek

Expert

Manager with 10 years of experience in the aerospace, space, and defense sectors. Specializes in European defense policy analysis. Author of Poland’s first monograph on the European Defence Agency.