Politico: Poland gears up for war

Recent analysis by Politico unveils that Poland is pouring billions of euros into defense and launching nationwide military training programs to prepare its citizens for a potential conflict.

With defense spending soaring to 4.7% of GDP — more than double NATO’s target of 2% — Poland has emerged as the alliance’s biggest military spender in relative terms. The country now boasts the largest army in the European Union, investing heavily in fighter jets, missiles, tanks, and artillery. “Now, the frontline state is preparing its population for war,” the report states.

Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk unveiled an ambitious plan to train at least 100,000 citizens annually, starting in 2027, as part of efforts to build a “reservist army.”

General Wiesław Kukuła, Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, explained Poland’s unique security challenge in an interview with Politico. Unlike other European nations, Poland directly borders Russia and Belarus, leaving no strategic buffer zone. “We are neighbors with the Russian Federation and its ally, Belarus. This means we have no buffer zone between us, and we have only a limited amount of time to prepare and respond,” Kukuła warned.

A detailed training plan is expected to be unveiled by the end of the month. The courses will be voluntary, offering basic instruction in civil defense, first aid, and combat skills over a few days. Those interested in more extensive training can opt for month-long programs, while former military personnel will have access to specialized refresher courses.

“The first goal of this program is to increase both the number and quality of reservists. Right now, Poland has many reservists, but their average age is around 45. If a conflict or prolonged pressure on Poland occurs, having well-trained reservists will be crucial in ensuring they can operate alongside professional soldiers and territorial defense forces,” Kukuła stated. “The second, and more important, goal is to prepare society for the consequences of a crisis, even if not everyone undergoes military training.”

While the Polish government’s efforts enjoy some public support, surveys indicate that enthusiasm is not universal. According to one poll, only 39% of Poles are willing to participate in the military training courses.

Some experts argue that the proposed reserve program is insufficient. Brigadier General Jarosław Kraszewski, former head of the Department of Armed Forces Supervision at Poland’s National Security Bureau, criticized the plan, asserting that 100,000 trained reservists per year would not be enough. “The country should reinstate universal conscription,” Kraszewski insisted.

By Tamilla Hasanova