Poland launches largest military drills of 2025 as tensions with Russia rise

Poland has begun its largest military drills of the year, involving more than 30,000 troops on land, at sea and in the air, in what is seen as a response to joint Russian-Belarusian manoeuvres planned for later this month.

The Polish Armed Forces said that the exercise, codenamed Iron Defender-25, aims to strengthen deterrence and test the country’s defence readiness in coordination with NATO allies, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media.

Training is taking place across major ranges in Orzysz, Ustka and Nowa Dęba, with troops also operating outside designated military zones. Over 600 units of equipment from all branches of the armed forces are being deployed.

Military commanders said the drills are designed as a federation of smaller, coordinated manoeuvres. New strike and reconnaissance systems are being tested, alongside lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine.

“The key element will be the integration of operations on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace, which directly enhances NATO’s deterrence and operational capability,” the General Staff said in a statement.

Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described Iron Defender as Poland’s strategic answer to Zapad-2025 – large-scale Russian-Belarusian exercises that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned could involve up to 150,000 troops.

Polish officials stress the manoeuvres are not directed against any particular state but are intended to demonstrate unity, professionalism, and NATO’s increasing military capacity.

The army has warned civilians to expect heavy movements of military vehicles on Polish roads until the end of September and urged drivers to take extra care.

By Aghakazim Guliyev