Poland bets on domestic arms production as defence spending soars

Poland's drive to build Europe's biggest army is prompting Warsaw to deepen ties with domestic and Central European defence firms as it seeks to reduce dependence on distant suppliers.

Polish spending on defence procurement from domestic companies, including joint ventures with other Central European firms, has nearly quadrupled since 2022, reaching 30.4 billion zlotys ($8.15 billion) last year, according to data from the Armaments Agency analysed by Reuters.

State-linked Polish defence companies have also stepped up capital investment over the past year. More than a dozen government officials, company executives and industry experts told Reuters that Warsaw's renewed push to expand domestic production reflects a broader shift that is creating new opportunities for defence firms across the region.

Poland is expected to spend around €53 billion ($61.45 billion) on core defence expenditures this year, making it the fourth-largest spender in the European Union after France, Italy and Germany, according to NATO data. The figure is up from €44 billion in 2025 and is equivalent to around 4.7% of Poland's gross domestic product.

While major weapons systems such as US-made Patriot missile batteries, Abrams tanks and F-35 fighter jets remain a key part of Poland's military modernisation programme, Polish officials say increasing domestic and regional production of drones, ammunition and other frequently used military equipment has become a priority.

Warsaw is also expanding defence cooperation with companies from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. In particular, Czech defence group CSG has signed agreements covering the joint production of unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles, artillery shells and armoured vehicles.

According to Polish authorities, the strategy increasingly focuses on relocating production to Poland, securing technology transfers and developing joint industrial projects with regional partners.

By Jeyhun Aghazada