Poland eyes major defence acquisitions amid ongoing regional tensions

Poland’s defence strategy, according to Defense News, continues to advance under its new government, despite the recent political shift.

Following last October’s general election, which resulted in a change of government in Poland, the country's commitment to military expansion remains unwavering. 

Despite the shift in leadership, Warsaw's drive for new weapons continues, fueled by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As Poland prepares for the MSPO show in Kielce, running from September 3 to 6, both domestic and international defence companies are gearing up to showcase their products. The MSPO event has become a key trade show in the region, particularly since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response, NATO’s eastern allies, including Poland, have significantly increased their defense budgets. This year, Poland plans to allocate approximately PLN 160 billion ($41.5 billion)—about 4.2 per cent of its GDP—to its military.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a military parade in Warsaw on August 15, emphasized his government’s goal of establishing "one of the largest European militaries." He promised continued investment in modernizing the military, highlighting the importance of innovation. Poland's record military expenditure for 2024 will be supported by both the ministry’s budget and the Armed Forces Support Fund, designed to facilitate new weapon and equipment purchases. In 2025, Poland might further increase its defense budget, potentially surpassing all other NATO members in military spending relative to GDP. 

The Polish Ministry of Defence has announced a 10 per cent budget increase for the military in 2025, reflecting a long-term strategy to bolster national security amid geopolitical uncertainties. According to Tomasz Smura from the Casimir Pulaski Foundation, while Poland continues to pursue programs initiated by the previous administration, including acquisitions from US and South Korean firms, there is a growing interest from European defence companies. Smura noted that improved relations with Germany and France have spurred increased collaboration opportunities, with Poland looking to acquire new submarines, fighter jets, and land vehicles. The ministry is set to embark on several major acquisitions to enhance Poland’s air, naval, and land forces. Planned purchases include: 

• An additional 32 fighter jets for the Air Force, with considerations for further acquisitions of fifth-generation jets beyond the 32 F-35s already ordered. Options under review include the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing's F-15EX, according to local analysts.
• New training helicopters and ship-based helicopters to replace the outdated SW-4 Puszczyk and Kaman SH-2G Seasprite aircraft currently in use by the Polish Armed Forces.
• An increase in combat and surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the newly established Drone Force within the military.
• Three to four new submarines to strengthen the Navy’s operational capabilities in the Baltic Sea. 

The Polish Armament Agency previously received initial bids from 11 companies during a market consultation, including firms from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and the UK. Since taking office in December 2023, Prime Minister Donald Tusk's government has secured several major defence deals. These include a $10 billion contract for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, a $2.5 billion deal for Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) to enhance Poland's air and missile defense capabilities, and a $1 billion agreement for four aerostat-based early warning radar systems from the United States. Additionally, in May, Poland finalized a $1.6 billion deal with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace for 72 K239 Chunmoo multiple-launch rocket systems. 

This deal is seen as an indication that Tusk’s administration will continue to pursue defense acquisitions under existing contracts from the previous government, including FA-50 light attack aircraft, K9 howitzers, K2 Black Panther tanks, and Chunmoo launchers.