Warsaw, Poland – August 7, 2023

As geopolitical tensions with Russia and Belarus continue to escalate, Poland is swiftly fortifying its military capabilities, with the aim of creating the most formidable ground army in Europe. However, these ambitious efforts have not come without challenges, as Poland grapples with significant financial strain resulting from substantial borrowing.

With Army Day approaching on August 15, Warsaw is preparing a grand military parade to showcase its military might. The parade will feature an impressive display of 200 pieces of advanced equipment and 2,000 highly-trained soldiers, including Abrams tanks, K2s, K9 self-propelled howitzers, HIMARS rocket launchers, Bayraktar combat drones, and Patriot air defense systems.

Despite these displays of strength, the Polish army has faced setbacks that have raised concerns about its preparedness. One such incident involved the discovery of a wreckage from a Russian Ch-55 missile that landed in Polish territory months after the incident. Additionally, there have been recent reports of Belarusian combat helicopters violating Polish airspace near the border, further intensifying security concerns.

Poland’s assertive military approach is driven by genuine fears of potential provocations and Russia’s actions in neighboring Ukraine. As a result, the country’s military spending, already the highest among NATO nations, is set to reach a staggering 3.9% of its GDP this year. To fund the escalating arms acquisitions, Poland has sought financial support from South Korean export banks. However, the banks’ lending capacity is nearing its limits, prompting the need for a change in the law to secure additional state funds.

Critics, including opposition members and military figures, have voiced concerns over the rapid pace and urgency of these military purchases. They cite a lack of transparency and unclear criteria for spending, leading to questions about the effectiveness of such acquisitions. Some argue that the delivery of the equipment could take years, leaving Poland temporarily reliant on its existing, potentially outdated, Soviet-made arsenal.

The outcome of the upcoming parliamentary elections will significantly influence the fate of Poland’s massive military buildup. If the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party retains power, they pledge to press forward with their ambitious plan to establish the most potent ground army in Europe. However, should the opposition take control, there may be a reassessment of the current strategy and arms purchases, potentially altering the country’s military trajectory.

Article by Prague Forum