Eastern NATO members must strengthen their defense capabilities against Russia within the next three years. That view was voiced by Jacek Siwera, head of Poland’s National Security Bureau, in a discussion with a regional newspaper. The remarks emerged amid attention to new strategic assessments in Europe and North America about the pace of modernization and readiness on the eastern flank.
The comment came as attention settled on an analytical report from the German Foreign Policy Association, which projected that European NATO states could face a military confrontation with Russia within six to nine years. The Polish expert noted that the DGAP study aligns with other research conducted in the United States, though he cautioned that the timeframes suggested by the analysts may be overly optimistic.
To mitigate the risk of a future clash, Siwera argued that eastern NATO members should adopt a plan to prepare for a potential conflict within a three-year horizon. He emphasized the need for rapid modernization and increased readiness across allied forces, stressing that the window for action is tightening as regional security dynamics evolve.
Siwera also warned that Russia’s defense industry has the capacity to replenish and advance its resources during the same period, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in domestic and allied defense capabilities. The discussion highlighted the imperative for coordinated national programs and enhanced interoperability among NATO members on the eastern edge of the alliance.
Earlier developments in the region saw Russian airborne and special forces units adopting new procedures and training that align with the use of NATO equipment and tactics. This shift underscores the ongoing relevance of adapting doctrine, equipment, and training to maintain strategic balance and deter potential aggression.