In a bold move reflecting escalating regional tensions, Poland has announced plans to significantly amplify its military capabilities, including a proposal for nuclear access.
Politico reported that under Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the nation is set to expand its army to half a million and explore nuclear defensive strategies in response to concerns about Russian aggression and the reliability of U.S. support.
Poland aims to forge a formidable 500,000-strong military force and acquire nuclear weapons to secure national safety against emerging threats.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk detailed the strategic military reforms before parliament on Friday, signaling a major shift in Poland’s defense policy. With a backdrop of growing unease over perceived shifts in U.S. foreign stance under President Donald Trump, Tusk's administration is pressing forward with comprehensive military enhancements.
As part of these reforms, Poland is set to reinstate training for every adult male capable of combat readiness. This mandate stems from Tusk’s vision to bolster Poland’s reserves adequately against potential threats. By year's end, Tusk intends to have a systematic training model in place.
The Polish leader has acknowledged ongoing talks with France regarding potential inclusion under the French nuclear umbrella. "Poland is talking seriously with France about being protected by the French nuclear umbrella," Tusk stated, highlighting the strategic pivot towards enhancing Poland's deterrence capabilities amidst the growing uncertainty within the NATO alliance.
Amidst concerns about the adequacy of conventional weaponry, Tusk has underscored the necessity for Poland to adopt advanced nuclear and modern unconventional arms.
"We must be aware that Poland must reach for the most modern capabilities also related to nuclear weapons and modern unconventional weapons ... this is a race for security, not for war," he explained.
Current defense spending in Poland stands at 4.7% of its GDP, with plans to escalate this further to 5%. In line with these budgetary augmentations, Poland has embarked on a significant acquisition spree, securing high-tech military hardware such as Abrams tanks, Patriot missiles, F-35 jet fighters, and South Korean tanks and artillery.
This ramp-up in military capability is framed as a response to defend Poland's eastern frontier, which also marks the borders of NATO and the European Union. Tusk asserted, "Poland's job is to guard its eastern border, which is also the border of NATO and the European Union."
With the Trump administration's unpredictable approach to NATO and its support for Ukraine, Tusk has voiced the need for Poland to maintain stringent diplomatic and defensive alignments with the U.S. and NATO.
Despite his criticisms, he maintains, "Poland is not changing its opinion on the need, the fundamental need to maintain the closest possible ties with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This is in general indisputable."
The Polish Prime Minister also reflected on the broader geopolitical landscape, noting the disparity in security dependencies between Europe and the U.S. against Russian military actions.
His candid observation, "It’s striking but it’s true. Right now, 500 million Europeans are begging 300 million Americans for protection from 140 million Russians who have been unable to overcome 50 million Ukrainians for three years," underscores the complexities of the current geopolitical milieu.
Poland's historical decision to end conscription in 2008 is being reconsidered, fueled by the renewed urgency to fortify its national defense in the face of Russian expansionism.
Additionally, Tusk hinted at possible deviations from international disarmament treaties, citing strategic necessity. "We must be precise and honest in assessing what it means and what serves our interest and what doesn’t," he commented during his speech, referencing the potential need to reassess Poland's stance on treaties such as those banning anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions.