Poland expands military and domestic arms production

Poland is actively building what officials describe as the largest land army in Europe, shifting its focus toward domestic and regional arms production to reduce reliance on distant suppliers. Defense spending from domestic companies, including joint ventures with other Central European firms, rose nearly fourfold since 2022, reaching 7.58 billion euros last year.

According to NATO data, Poland is expected to spend approximately 53 billion euros on basic defense expenditures this year, representing about 4.7 percent of its GDP. This makes it the fourth-largest spender in the EU, following France, Italy, and Germany. While the country continues to acquire major foreign systems like American Patriot missile batteries, Abrams tanks, and F-35 fighter jets, officials are prioritizing the expansion of regional production for drones, ammunition, and other frequently used equipment.

Poland has consistently led NATO members in defense spending relative to the size of its economy. The nation is also the first to utilize the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan instrument, securing approximately 43.7 billion euros in loans to finance military spending through 2030. This strategic shift aims to leverage defense investments to drive innovation in sectors such as AI, drones, and cybersecurity, potentially fostering long-term economic growth.