Poland’s Military Capabilities: Europe’s Eastern Pillar

Poland has emerged in recent years as one of NATO’s most assertive and strategically vital military powers in Eastern Europe. With her long border with Ukraine, direct proximity to Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, and a historical memory of conflict with both Russia and Germany, Poland has taken a robust approach to national defense and alliance readiness.

Ground Forces: Rapid Expansion and Modernisation

Poland currently fields the second-largest standing army in Europe (after Turkey), with around 292,000 active-duty military personnel from all branches and about 36,000 in the Territorial Defence Forces (a volunteer paramilitary reserve force formed in response to Russian aggression in Crimea in 2014). The government has announced plans to expand its active personnel by up to 500,000, making it the second largest land force in Europe after Ukraine (and excluding Russia).

Poland’s army is undergoing an ambitious modernisation program. The country has ordered:

• Abrams M1A2 SEP v3 main battle tanks from the United States.

• K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea, with some to be produced domestically.

• K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers (also South Korean).

• HIMARS rocket artillery systems and Patriot air defence systems from the US.

• Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey.

This combination of Western and Korean hardware is designed to bridge capability gaps quickly while building long-term domestic production capacity.

Air Force: Strengthening Strike and Air Defence Power

Poland’s Air Force operates a mix of legacy Soviet and modern Western aircraft. Current air capabilities include:

• F-16C/D fighter jets (48 in service).

• Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-22s, which are being phased out or have been donated to Ukraine.

• An order of 32 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters from the US is underway, significantly boosting Poland's future strike capabilities.

In addition to acquiring aircraft, Poland is strengthening her integrated air and missile defence system, with the Patriot system as a centrepiece.

Naval Forces: Modest but Modernising

Poland’s Navy is relatively small and focused on Baltic Sea defence. Key capabilities include:

• A handful of frigates and corvettes, many of which are in need of modernisation.

• Mine warfare vessels, essential in the Baltic’s shallow waters.

• Submarines, though Poland’s current fleet is ageing and in need of replacement.

The country has signalled intentions to invest in new submarines and surface ships, but budget priorities have so far emphasised land and air forces.

Strategic Importance and NATO Role

Poland plays a crucial logistical and operational role in NATO’s support for Ukraine. It has become:

• A transit hub for weapons and humanitarian aid.

• A training centre for Ukrainian troops.

• A host to US and NATO forward deployments, including rotational US Army brigades and air defence units.

The country spends approximately 4% of its GDP on defence in 2024, the highest in NATO (the United States is only 3.6%), far exceeding the 2% target. Poland sees herself not only as a frontline state but as a security provider for the region, especially to the Baltic states. Poland has aspirations to increase this percentage still further.

Comparison with Germany and France

• Germany is only beginning to ramp up her Bundeswehr capabilities after decades of underfunding, though her economy gives Germany vast potential.

• France, while smaller in army size, maintains a full-spectrum force including nuclear weapons, global reach, and a blue-water navy.

Poland differs in orientation: her military expansion is focused on deterring Russian aggression, making her a significant land power with limited global reach but high regional impact.

Capacity for a Peacekeeping Role in Ukraine

Poland has publicly floated the idea of sending peacekeeping forces into Ukraine, though such a move would depend heavily on NATO consensus. Poland’s proximity, deep engagement with Ukraine, and forward posture make it an ideal candidate for such a role — particularly in securing demilitarised zones or humanitarian corridors if a ceasefire is achieved; or a so-called "reassurance force" if select NATO states decide to send troops into Ukraine in the absence of a ceasefire.

Technological Edge and Industrial Base

Poland is rapidly expanding her domestic defence industry, often in partnership with foreign firms. She is co-producing the K2PL tank with South Korea and expanding munitions and drone manufacturing. This puts Poland on track to become a leading defence supplier in Central and Eastern Europe, especially for countries seeking alternatives to Russian or Chinese hardware.

Conclusion: A Rising Military Power with Strategic Purpose

Poland has transformed from a post-Soviet middle power into Europe’s eastern bulwark, reshaping NATO’s centre of gravity eastward. Her aggressive military expansion, strong US ties, and proximity to the war in Ukraine make her not just a frontline state — but a regional leader with growing influence over European defence policy.

In the era of renewed geopolitical tension, Poland’s military capabilities are no longer peripheral to Europe’s security. They are central to it.