Neighboring Russia, Poland buys weapons at a frenetic pace

Catch-up operation. A member of NATO for twenty-two years, Poland – which under-invested in its defense for nearly two decades – has just adopted an unprecedented rearmament plan. Russian aggression against Ukraine pushes the Polish government to carry out a frantic plan to modernize its army.

The objective cherished since the invasion of Crimea to become the first European land force has become a real priority. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced a considerable increase in military spending in 2023, which will increase to 97 billion zlotys (20.3 billion euros), including 8.3 billion euros for the purchase of weapons, bringing thus the country’s defense spending from 2.4% to 3% of GDP. He wants to double his military strength to build an army of 300,000 men against 140,000 soldiers currently.