Karol Nawrocki announces the biggest modernization of Polish armed forces in decades. Its goal is an army of at least 300,000 soldiers, which will ensure the safety of Poland in uncertain times.
During today's swearing-in, Karol Nawrocki devoted a lot of space to the Polish army and the security of the country. Before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, he declared that he would be an active leader of the Armed Forces of Poland, involved in modernization and development of the Polish army.He announced that "he would do anything to build in the coming years at least 300 thousand Polish army, the strongest North Atlantic Army in Europe".
Nawrocki emphasized that the modern army is not only numbers but also modern technologies and strong alliances. He pointed out the need to create a specialdepartment of groundbreaking technologiesand the integration of efforts to develop modern weapons. He pointed out that allies only defend those who "self can defend themselves", which is why investing in an army and their own defense capabilities is crucial.
"The security of Poland starts with every private soldier. From his equipment, from his consciousness, from his fortitude and from his heart. I will be the voice of Polish soldiers and Polish officers. I will support all the modernisation efforts of the Polish army."
"I will do everything to build at least 300 thousand Polish army in the coming years — The strongest among NATO allies in Europe."
"Your President will never say ‘forward’ to you, I will always speak ‘after me’. I was, I am, and I will be with you."
In another passage of the message to citizens, he said:
"I will be the voice of the Polish people, but also the voice of our army and its modernization. It's them. — Our soldiers — are heroes of the modern.""What happened on 1 June was also a lesson of humility towards all those who would like to see the rule of single power in Poland. It is healthy for Poland, for the Republic of Poland, that there will be a president in the palace who will speak on behalf of the nation."
Why 300,000 soldiers?
The newly elected President Karol Nawrocki, supported by the PiS Group, made it clear: Poland must have the largest land army in the European Union and within NATO on our continent. According to Nawrocki, it is necessary to face increasing risks from theRussiaand geopolitical instability. In numerous public speeches he emphasized that infrastructure, modernization and army numbers were investments in the safety of future generations.
Main assumptions of the plan
- Expand the army's numbers to300 000. – both professional soldiers and soldiers of territorial defence troops.
- Maintaining high defence spending – the budget is already approaching5% of GDP, which puts Poland at the forefront of Europe in terms of military investments.
- Modernization of equipment – purchases of modern tanks, rocket systems, artillery and drones, but also support for the national weapons industry.
As Nawrocki emphasizes, "we don't build a strong army to wage wars - we want no one to dare raise their hands on us." By increasing the numbers, Poland is to become a NATO shield on the eastern flank, which, according to the President, scares off potential aggressors.
Expert doubts
However, some experts are concerned that Poland, with a population of 38 million, is able to maintain such extensive forces. They point to a decline in the number of volunteers, demographic challenges and the need for attractive service conditions. For comparison, now the Polish army counts around187 tys. żołnierzy. Podwojenie tej liczby w ciągu kilku lat będzie wymagało szeroko zakrojonych kampanii rekrutacyjnych oraz zmian w systemie szkolenia.
Nawrocki podkreśla również wagę silnych sojuszy – przede wszystkim zUSAjako gwaranta bezpieczeństwa. Polska zamierza być regionalnym liderem – nie tylko poprzez liczebność armii, ale także zaawansowanie technologiczne i gotowość do współpracy w ramach NATO.
