Poland surges ahead in NATO defence efforts with US backing

Poland is set to receive a $4 billion loan guarantee from the United States as part of an ongoing effort to accelerate the modernization of its armed forces, the Polish Ministry of Defence announced.

The agreement, which marks a significant step forward in Warsaw’s ambitious defence agenda, comes amid intensifying regional security concerns following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

With NATO’s eastern flank increasingly viewed as a strategic bulwark, Poland has emerged as a critical player in strengthening allied deterrence capabilities.

“This loan guarantee reaffirms the strategic defence partnership between Poland and the United States,” the ministry said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in advanced military technologies.

Since 2022, the United States has extended over $11 billion in loans and loan guarantees to Poland, facilitating the acquisition of high-end defense systems such as the Patriot air and missile defense system, the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system, and Apache attack helicopters. These purchases form the backbone of Poland’s multi-year modernization initiative.

Poland has rapidly risen to become NATO’s top defense spender as a percentage of GDP. According to government projections, Warsaw will allocate 4.7% of its gross domestic product to defense in 2025 — a figure expected to rise to 5% in 2026, significantly surpassing NATO’s recommended 2% benchmark.

Polish officials have repeatedly stated that bolstering national defence is not only a matter of military preparedness but a vital component of the country’s long-term security strategy. The latest US loan guarantee is expected to further accelerate the procurement and deployment of cutting-edge military systems to meet current and future threats.

By Vafa Guliyeva