On August 15, 2025, throughout Armed Forces Day in Warsaw, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki outlined probably the most bold navy enlargement within the nation’s fashionable historical past.
In an official tackle commemorating the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia, he introduced a plan to boost protection spending to five% of GDP immediately.
The plan envisions constructing NATO’s largest land military in Europe. Poland goals to broaden its present forces to not less than 300,000 troopers, with the potential of reaching 500,000 if assets permit.
Two new infantry divisions — the First Legion Infantry Division and the Eighth Dwelling Military Infantry Division — will probably be established alongside 4 present divisions.
Modernization already beneath manner consists of the arrival of U.S. Apache assault helicopters, the second part of the Wisła air protection program, and the supply of K2 fundamental battle tanks from South Korea.
The President stated Poland wants 1,000 K2 tanks to satisfy armored forces necessities. Naval capabilities can even develop.
The ORKA submarine program will proceed, and the Baltic Sea is now successfully an inner NATO waterway.
Cyber protection will broaden by means of devoted operational models in cooperation with allied international locations, together with the US.
Ammunition self‑sufficiency is a key precedence. A home plant is beneath development, focusing on annual manufacturing of 1 million 155‑millimeter artillery shells and 500,000 tank rounds.
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The President vowed to assist all legislative and administrative measures wanted to satisfy these figures.
He framed Russia as a continuing safety risk however one that may be defeated, citing previous navy historical past and the stalled Russian offensive in Ukraine.
He emphasised that safety coverage should stay above partisan politics, proposing a “Structure of Safety” binding future governments to a unified protection technique for many years.
The coverage means sustained multi‑yr procurement and infrastructure tasks, creating steady demand for protection gear, know-how, and companies.
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Protection suppliers at dwelling and overseas will compete for contracts starting from heavy armor to superior radar, naval techniques, and cyber capabilities.
The President burdened that Poland should keep away from navy coverage formed by election cycles.
He argued that investing closely now will forestall future dependence on overseas navy forces for nationwide protection.
The target, he stated, is lasting safety for Polish residents and a reputable deterrent inside NATO.
