Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared on Saturday that the country's armed forces will soon become the largest military power in Europe.
Speaking in the Baltic port city of Gdansk on Polish Armed Forces Day, Tusk said Poland is building a modern military force capable of shaping the future of the region.
Tusk outlined a national security strategy based on four main pillars: defending the eastern border, maintaining military alliances, investing in the armed forces, and expanding the domestic economy.
He described defense investments, particularly in the Polish Navy, as the most critical component of the national strategy. Tusk added that Poland currently spends nearly 5 percent of its national income on defense needs.
Poland Security Spending and NATO Border
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the government allocated 201 billion zlotys, equivalent to around 54 million dollars, for national security this year. The spending marks the highest defense allocation in Polish history.
Poland forms part of the eastern border of NATO and the European Union, sharing frontiers with Belarus and Russia. Western leaders have repeatedly warned that Russia could prepare an attack against alliance members, including Poland and the Baltic states.
Addressing security threats, Tusk called for joint action with NATO partners to counter Russian sabotage activities in the Baltic Sea region.
Gdansk, a major maritime hub on Poland's northern coast, holds strategic importance for Baltic defense. NATO, a 32-member transatlantic military alliance, has reinforced its eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Support for Ukraine and Arms Transfers
Tusk emphasized that supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression is vital for Poland's own security. He noted that assisting Ukrainian forces serves the direct interest of Polish citizens.
The prime minister added that Poland does not desire war, but stressed that only a strong, well-prepared, and sovereign nation can successfully deter conflict.
Media outlet Wirtualna Polska reported on August 13 that Poland plans to transfer Soviet-designed MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv in exchange for 1,500 long-range drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously described Ukraine's army as a million-strong force.
The Polish Ministry of Defense also indicated recently that it could supply Ukraine with several Patriot air defense interceptor missiles to strengthen Kyiv's air defense capabilities.
Warsaw Military Parade
Alongside Tusk's announcement, Poland celebrated Armed Forces Day on Saturday with a massive military parade in the capital, Warsaw.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki led the procession, which featured nearly 1,800 soldiers, approximately 270 military vehicles, and dozens of aircraft.
Armed Forces Day is an annual national holiday in Poland commemorating the nation's military heritage and honoring its defense forces.
