Patriotic duty, educated citizens, and prepared young people form the backbone of national security, according to the head of the Ministry of National Defense during the opening ceremony for uniformed classes in Kielce. He stressed that the most modern weapons only serve their purpose when wielded by people ready to defend the country and to shoulder responsibility with discipline and knowledge.
The ceremony took place at Targi Kielce, coinciding with the first day of the 31st International Defense Industry Exhibition, underscoring Poland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense sector and its recruitment of future service members.
This year the Military Preparation Units are planned to reach 28,000 cadets, up from 20,000 last year. The expansion reflects growing interest in uniformed education and its role in building a robust national defense. The minister highlighted the popularity of these classes and their potential to nurture capable, educated soldiers.
— noted the minister.
Tens of thousands of cadets
During remarks, the minister reiterated that the Military Preparation Units will scale to about 28,000 cadets this year, an increase of roughly 8,000 compared with 2022. He emphasized that whatever path a young person chooses after graduation, a service-oriented option remains a solid and commendable choice.
Poland’s armored forces already include a modern mix of main battle tanks and support weapons. The inventory features Abrams and K2 tanks, self-propelled artillery like Krab and K9, and rocket artillery systems such as Himars, with Chunmoo, the Korean successor to a rocket artillery platform, joining the lineup this year. The armed forces also celebrated the opening of a new missile brigade after 18 years of development.
These developments illustrate ongoing reinforcement of Poland’s military capabilities. Yet, the minister underscored that even the finest hardware resonates only when paired with patriotic, well-educated young people willing to perform their duties. The graduates of uniformed programs are seen as prime candidates to join the Polish army, pursue studies at military academies, participate in basic voluntary service, and eventually become professional soldiers.
The minister noted that boosting the armed forces is important for security in light of threats from the eastern part of Europe, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the broader trend of power projection in the region.
Reinforcing the army
The strategic response to these threats, according to the minister, is to strengthen Poland’s army, deter potential aggression, and prevent any attack. This approach ties into a broader goal of building a stronger, more capable defense force.
New military units are being established, particularly in the eastern regions where unit reductions occurred in previous years. The aim is to sustain a consistent security policy that supports national development and economic growth, with a clear focus on expanding the army and equipping it with state-of-the-art weaponry.
The defense chief reiterated the commitment to a secure Poland and outlined concrete steps to increase the size of the armed forces and modernize its equipment. The 31st International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce will continue through early September, bringing together hundreds of international exhibitors to showcase the latest in defense technology. The event highlights Poland’s active participation in global defense markets and its readiness to adapt to changing security dynamics.
Across the coverage, observers note that the emphasis on education, readiness, and modernization reflects a broader trend in national security—where people, training, and tools must align to deter threats and sustain stability. In analysis, this approach is seen as a practical response to regional pressures and evolving defense needs, with the takeaway that a secure country underpins a resilient economy and a confident society.
Endnote: the conversation around defense policy and uniformed education continues to shape public discourse on how best to prepare the next generation for service and citizenship.