PiS president Jarosław Kaczyński and Mariusz Błaszczak, the deputy prime minister who leads the Ministry of National Defence, will open the conference on Monday, titled “A year after the Law on Defense of the Fatherland – a year of important changes.” Attendees will review and summarize the changes in defense policy and the Polish Armed Forces brought about by this law.
The conference will address development priorities for the Polish Armed Forces
The event will open with remarks from Jarosław Kaczyński, a former deputy prime minister and chair of the Committee on National Security and Defense, and Mariusz Błaszczak, the deputy prime minister and minister of national defence who also chairs the committee.
Organizers say the conference will be divided into two panels. The first, focused on development priorities for the Polish Armed Forces, will feature Błaszczak along with Sebastian Chwałek, head of the Polish Armaments Group; Lieutenant General Wiesław Kukuła, the general commander of the Polish Armed Forces; and Colonel Mirosław Bryś, head of the Central Military Recruiting Center.
The second panel, titled “New Capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces,” will include Wojciech Skurkiewicz, deputy head of the Ministry of National Defence; Brigadier General Norbert Iwanowski, commander of the 1st Infantry Legions Division; Brigadier Artur Kuptel, head of the armaments service; and Brigadier Karel Molenda, commander of the Cyberspace Forces Component.
Participants will analyze the transformative changes in defense and the Polish Armed Forces made possible by the Law on Defense of the Fatherland. Topics will include increased funding for the armed forces, streamlined recruitment, modernization efforts, the role of the Polish defense industry, the development of army units, and cybersecurity. The discussion will also cover how the law has affected the command system and what additional legislative challenges the Polish military may face in the future.
The Ministry of National Defence announced this. It was noted that the conflict in Ukraine underscored the need for modern legal solutions for a modern army.
The Law on Defense of the Fatherland not only unifies a previously fragmented legal framework but also provides a basis for long-term plans for developing the Polish armed forces. It establishes a transparent and predictable financing system designed to give the Polish army stability and capacity to operate for years to come.
What is the Homeland Defense Act?
President Andrzej Duda signed the Law on Defense of the Fatherland on March 18, 2022, and it took effect on April 23, 2022. Its core aims include raising the defense budget, expanding the size of the armed forces, restoring a robust reserve system, and increasing training opportunities for soldiers.
The act requires annual defense spending to be at least 2.2 percent of GDP, with a target of at least 3 percent in 2023 and beyond. When planning modernization expenditures, the ministry head must consider Poland’s defense industrial potential and investments in research and development for national defense.
Under the law, the Council of Ministers must set detailed guidelines for the reconstruction and technical modernization of the armed forces every four years for a 15-year planning horizon. Based on these directions and NATO defense planning principles, the Minister of National Defence will introduce a program for armed forces development. The Armed Forces Support Fund was established at Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego in May 2022.
Additional context notes that the Ukraine situation has made it clear that a modern army requires up-to-date legal frameworks to function effectively.
The Homeland Defense Act reorganizes the previously scattered legal system and provides a solid basis for long-term development planning of the Polish armed forces. It aims to embed planning within a transparent financing model, offering stability for future operations and growth.
Context and implementation
The law is intended to coordinate defense budgeting with strategic planning, ensuring that financial resources align with modernization goals and international commitments. By setting clear directives every four years and tying spending to GDP, it seeks to create steadiness amid changing security environments.
Source notes indicate this process involves ongoing evaluation of defense needs, industry capabilities, and research and development to sustain a capable and modern force. The discussion at the conference is expected to illuminate how these mechanisms translate into practical improvements on the ground, including personnel, equipment, and cyber readiness.
Across policymakers and military leaders, the focus remains on building a resilient and capable force prepared for current and future challenges. The exchange aims to chart a path that balances readiness with responsible budgeting and industry partnerships, contributing to broader regional security and alliance obligations.