General Wiesław Kukuła stands as a seasoned officer with a long track record in special forces and a reputation for practical leadership. His mandate, as described by the minister overseeing national defense, centers on advancing the Polish army and strengthening its capabilities. This outlook was shared in a Thursday interview on the first program of Polish Radio, where the minister outlined the strategic direction for the force under the new leadership.
On Thursday, questions arose in PR1 about the experience of Lieutenant General Wiesław Kukuła, who was designated Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army by President Andrzej Duda on the preceding Tuesday. The inquiry touched on concerns about whether a figure with such a varied service background would be able to steer the General Staff with the same precision and efficiency expected at the highest levels of the armed forces.
General Kukuła’s career reflects a broad spectrum of command and operational responsibilities. He emerged from the ranks of the special forces and has earned a reputation for strategic thinking and hands-on leadership. One notable achievement was his stewardship of the Territorial Defense Forces, a key element in modern Poland’s security architecture. He served as commander of the Volunteer Territorial Forces for two terms, gaining firsthand experience in coordinating multi-layered defense operations. His service history also includes deployments abroad, including missions in Iraq, contributing to his understanding of coalition operations, interoperability, and the realities of modern warfare. Observers describe him as an energetic and capable officer who understands the army from the ground up.
– conveyed the minister during the discussion.
When asked about the tasks ahead for the newly appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, the minister emphasized a clear, forward-looking agenda. The first priority, he noted, is the ongoing development of the armed forces to match evolving security needs and technological advancements. The minister described the development efforts as part of a broader modernization program that has been progressing rapidly in recent years and characterized the improvements as unprecedented in the nation’s history.
To illustrate the momentum, the minister cited the successful and rapid evacuation of Polish pilgrims and tourists from Israel as an example of effective coordination. He highlighted that the operation was executed in a remarkably short timeframe and was executed in close collaboration with General Wiesław Kukuła, underscoring the close working relationship between the new Chief of the General Staff and other senior defense leaders.
In addition to operational readiness, the minister noted a significant increase in manpower through voluntary military service. Over the past eighteen months, more than 49,000 individuals signed up, and 632 new soldiers joined the ranks. The minister pointed out that the level of interest remains high, and he anticipated that, following the final session of the enrollment cycle, the total number of trained soldiers could exceed 55,000. This indicator reflects a robust public willingness to participate in national defense and to contribute to the country’s security posture.
President Andrzej Duda’s recent reshuffling of top command positions marked a strategic shift in the management of the armed forces. Lieutenant General Wiesław Kukuła, who had previously served as the commander of the armed forces, was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army, signaling a move toward aligning the General Staff with his experience and leadership style. In parallel, Major General Maciej Klisz was named operational commander of the armed forces, transferring responsibilities from the territorial forces leadership to a central operational role. This reallocation signaled a broader intent to sharpen operational command and improve synergy across different branches of the military.
Earlier changes included the departure of General Rajmund Andrzejczak from the post of Chief of the General Staff and Lieutenant General Tomasz Piotrowski from the role of Operational Commander, following their resignations. The current realignment aims to consolidate leadership and ensure a cohesive strategic direction for Poland’s defense apparatus as it adapts to evolving regional and global security challenges.
The transition underscores a period of renewed emphasis on readiness, modernization, and the integration of national defense with international partner capabilities. As Poland continues to pursue modernization and capacity-building, the roles of senior commanders are central to translating policy into practical, on-the-ground improvements for the force. The focus remains on maintaining a capable, interoperable, and highly capable military structure that can respond to a broad spectrum of security scenarios while contributing to regional stability and international defense cooperation.
These developments are watched closely by allied nations, especially in North America, where close cooperation on defense matters continues to grow. The leadership changes, training initiatives, and modernization efforts are part of a broader trend toward ensuring that the Polish Armed Forces remain resilient and ready to meet both current and emerging security demands while sustaining strong partnerships with global defense partners.