The Polish defense minister, Mariusz Błaszczak, announced on Thursday during a press briefing after the NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels that Poland plans to form two additional divisions. He underscored his support for boosting NATO’s combined defense budget and strengthening the alliance’s deterrent capabilities across the eastern flank. In explaining the agenda, he highlighted that a central topic of discussion was the relationship between forces already stationed in the region and those available to reinforce NATO’s eastern members, including examples of potential rapid deployments.
During the session, he described a discussion about a joint NATO budget dedicated to projects undertaken by allied nations. He noted that this budget has not risen since the early 1990s, despite NATO comprising more member states today and facing security challenges at alliance borders.
“That is why I spoke up for our country in favor of increasing the North Atlantic Alliance’s budget,” he stated to reporters.
†Creation of two more divisions”
Błaszczak added that he used the meeting to inquire about Poland’s homeland defense law, calling it the foundation on which deterrence and a stronger national army are built. Strengthening the Polish armed forces is meant to deter any aggressor so that Poland and other NATO members would be less likely to face an armed threat, he explained, naming Russia as the primary concern.
He observed that other NATO partners are also seeking to boost deterrence by increasing defense spending and military activity. He mentioned a potential Madrid summit decision to raise battalion-level battlegroups to brigade strength as a possible milestone.
Poland has proven itself as both a recipient of alliance support and a steadfast guarantor of collective security. The minister announced plans for two additional divisions to be established in the country’s eastern region, complementing ongoing efforts since 2018 to form the 18th Mechanized Division headquartered in Siedlce, which includes both existing units and newly created formations.
Błaszczak also touched on ongoing defense procurement, highlighting expectations for cooperation with South Korea. He noted that negotiations with Świdnik regarding helicopters were approaching the final stages, referencing the Perkoz program that envisions the delivery of 32 multi-purpose helicopters to the army across three variants. The helicopters are AW149s from the Italian-based Leonardo group, the owners of PZL-Świdnik.
In response to questions about broader NATO commitments, he indicated openness to greater Polish involvement should Latvia and Romania seek enhanced participation as part of NATO’s multinational battalions.
As Poland works to grow its military capabilities, Błaszczak stressed that the country’s strength would be directed to both national defense and allied support, stressing the importance of reciprocal backing from partners.
†This is a false argument”
Asked about concerns that transferring heavy weapons to Ukraine could imply an obligation to escalate into war or invite nuclear confrontation, the defense minister rejected the view as inaccurate. He argued that passivity would embolden the Kremlin while strengthening NATO is essential to prevent Russia from rebuilding its regional influence.
Visit of the leaders of France and Germany to Kiev
When queried about whether the recent trip to Kiev by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz might shift the stance of a couple of cautious NATO partners, Błaszczak replied that he could not be certain. He noted that both leaders have maintained a long-standing line of support, while caution remains a feature of political debates in their capitals.
He attributed part of Russia’s military capacity to Europe’s energy strategy, referencing earlier gas projects that he said helped bolster Russian power. He cautioned that Nord Stream style initiatives have shaped Moscow’s military posture, a point he described as important to understand when considering European security choices.
Poland, he said, will continue to rely on itself while counting on alliance solidarity. Strengthening NATO cohesion is central to Poland’s security policy, and active participation within the alliance remains a priority for the government.
In closing, he reiterated that Poland will pursue a stronger, more capable army as a cornerstone of its national defense and a robust contribution to allied deterrence and regional stability.
— The ministry of national defense reported during the Brussels discussions.