Units were reshaped well before 2015 as part of a broad reform in the Polish armed forces. In the period of the PO-PSL coalition, a large number of organizational components were reduced, with emphasis on eastern regions of the country, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak on radio Jedynka.
Polish weapons perform well in Ukraine
Asked about how the Polish military changed in the year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the minister highlighted a sustained program of weapon purchases, modernization, and a deliberate expansion of personnel. He noted that Poland has drawn lessons from Ukrainian experience, observing that Polish arms systems have demonstrated their effectiveness in countering Russian strikes. Specific examples include the Krab self-propelled howitzer and the Pioruny and Groty systems, which have played roles in defense operations, Błaszczak stated.
He added that a contract for an additional 80,000 units of equipment had been signed. These purchases are part of a broader modernization push, which also includes plans to sign an agreement on Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles in the near term and to receive HIMARS launchers later this year. The minister emphasized that HIMARS orders were placed in 2019, underscoring a long-term strategy to enhance the country’s mobile firepower.
The emphasis, he argued, is to demonstrate a consistent strengthening of Poland’s military since 2015, a period that began when the current governing party won the elections and Andrzej Duda became president, he explained.
He reiterated that a restructuring process had occurred up to 2015, during which many units were disbanded. The focus has since shifted toward rebuilding a robust, capable force, with a clear trajectory toward larger, more capable professional and reserve components, he noted.
Growing the armed forces
The goal is a more powerful and ready Polish army. When the Law and Justice party took control in 2015, the armed forces counted fewer personnel than today. The current force includes a substantial number of volunteers and professional soldiers, reflecting a deliberate expansion strategy. This growth is complemented by a strong emphasis on reserve forces and rapid deployment capabilities, ensuring readiness across different theaters.
More than 3,000 individuals have begun training under a voluntary service program. Experience from the past year suggests that the majority of these recruits will transition into professional service, with many taking oaths to serve. Those who do not enter professional service will continue as reservists trained to respond effectively in crisis situations, ensuring a flexible and resilient defense posture.
The modernization drive also extends to equipment across all branches of the Polish Armed Forces. A conscious move away from legacy, post-Soviet systems is underway, with ongoing modernization projects across land, air, and cyber domains. The establishment of cyberspace defense forces is highlighted as a crucial element for security in the 21st century, reflecting a comprehensive approach to national defense that encompasses traditional hardware and modern digital resilience.
Hybrid challenges at the Polish-Belarusian border
Deputy Prime Minister Błaszczak pointed to ongoing hybrid pressure on the Polish border. He recalled a broader pattern of destabilizing actions that have affected several European fronts, including Poland. The minister argued that some media coverage reflects political opposition interpretations, while soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces have continued to support border protection and responded decisively to hybrid attempts that sought to disrupt stability at the border.
He suggested that these actions fit into a larger Kremlin-linked plan designed to destabilize Poland and undermine authorities supporting Ukraine. The minister stressed that strengthening Poland’s security posture remains essential, not only as a national objective but as a contribution to broader Western support for Ukraine.
Overall, the minister framed these developments as part of a strategic effort to deter aggression, deter destabilization efforts, and elevate Poland’s role in regional security, while continuing to reinforce defense partnerships and ensuring rapid adaptation to evolving threats in the region.