Poland to Spend 5% of GDP on Defense in 2025, Foreign Minister Announces

Poland is set to significantly increase its defense spending, aiming to allocate 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense in 2025. This announcement came from Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski during an interview with Bloomberg Television.

Poland's decision to escalate defense spending follows its recent increase to over 4% of GDP this year, a direct response to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "Poland spends 4% of GDP on defense, and we are going to spend 5% next year," Sikorski stated. "We are number one in NATO, including the United States, in proportion, obviously, because we are no longer in eternal post-Cold War peace."

In line with this commitment, Poland has secured contracts with both European and U.S. companies to bolster its air defenses. Notably, Warsaw has signed up for the delivery of six additional RDX Patriot batteries as part of its Wisla long-range air defense program. Additionally, Poland has ordered more than 1,000 MBDA Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles—Extended Range (CAMM-ER)—and associated launchers for the medium-range Narew air defense system.

The latest Patriot order, which marks the second phase of the Wisla program, includes 12 360-degree Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors, making Poland the first export customer for this advanced radar technology. The order also encompasses 48 additional launchers and PAC-3 missiles. Poland has already received several Patriot batteries equipped with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System.

These contracts were finalized on the opening day of the MSPO International Defense Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland, on September 5. The inclusion of 360-degree capable radar is crucial for Poland, given the potential missile threats from Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast to the north, as well as from Belarus and Russia directly to the east.

The second phase of the Wisla program emphasizes continued Polish industry involvement in the Patriot program, including the production and delivery of M903 launchers and components for the PAC-3 missiles.

In addition to modernizing its military inventory, Poland is also investing heavily in civil defense. The government has introduced several initiatives and plans to strengthen its eastern frontier against hybrid threats from Russia and Belarus. These measures come as part of Poland's broader strategy to enhance its defense capabilities in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Polish Territorial Defense recruits recently demonstrated their preparedness by practicing the evacuation of wounded soldiers during a Combat Medical training in Bialystok, Poland. This training underscores Poland's commitment to bolstering its defense and civil protection capabilities amid growing regional tensions.

With the Kremlin’s campaign in Ukraine now in its third year, Poland's proactive measures signal its determination to fortify its national security and contribute robustly to NATO’s collective defense efforts.