Poland Sets Course for Europe’s Largest NATO Army, Eyeing Half‑Million Troop Force

On August 15, 2025, during Armed Forces Day in Warsaw, Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki outlined the most ambitious military expansion in the nation’s modern history.

In an official address commemorating the 1920 victory over Soviet Russia, he announced a plan to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP without delay.

The plan envisions building NATO’s largest land army in Europe. Poland aims to expand its current forces to at least 300,000 soldiers, with the possibility of reaching 500,000 if resources allow.

Two new infantry divisions — the First Legion Infantry Division and the Eighth Home Army Infantry Division — will be established alongside four existing divisions.

Modernization already under way includes the arrival of U.S. Apache attack helicopters, the second phase of the Wisła air defense program, and the delivery of K2 main battle tanks from South Korea.

The President said Poland needs 1,000 K2 tanks to meet armored forces requirements. Naval capabilities will also grow.

The ORKA submarine program will proceed, and the Baltic Sea is now effectively an internal NATO waterway.

Cyber defense will expand through dedicated operational units in cooperation with allied countries, including the United States.

Ammunition self‑sufficiency is a key priority. A domestic plant is under construction, targeting annual production of one million 155‑millimeter artillery shells and 500,000 tank rounds.

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Poland Sets Course for Europe’s Largest NATO Army, Eyeing Half‑Million Troop Force

The President vowed to support all legislative and administrative measures needed to meet these figures.

He framed Russia as a constant security threat but one that can be defeated, citing past military history and the stalled Russian offensive in Ukraine.

He emphasized that security policy must remain above partisan politics, proposing a “Constitution of Security” binding future governments to a unified defense strategy for decades.

The policy means sustained multi‑year procurement and infrastructure projects, creating stable demand for defense equipment, technology, and services.

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Defense suppliers at home and abroad will compete for contracts ranging from heavy armor to advanced radar, naval systems, and cyber capabilities.

The President stressed that Poland must avoid military policy shaped by election cycles.

He argued that investing heavily now will prevent future dependence on foreign military forces for national defense.

The objective, he said, is lasting security for Polish citizens and a credible deterrent within NATO.

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