Poland to spend 1.9 trillion PLN on defense through 2035

Poland is projected to spend 1.9 trillion PLN on defense between 2025 and 2035, a significant increase compared to the 825 billion PLN spent during the 2014-2024 period. This spending represents one of the highest ratios of defense expenditure to GDP within NATO. Experts note that the budget structure is shifting; while modernization and R&D currently receive nearly half of the funds, they are expected to drop to one-third, while personnel costs, including salaries and pensions, are projected to rise to approximately 45 percent of the budget.

To manage these strategic investments, the Ministry of National Defence has proposed new regulations aimed at more effective planning and financing. The proposal includes flexible budgeting to allow for mid-year updates to defense programs and expanded support for non-military services such as the Police and Border Guard. The new framework also prioritizes investments in combating hybrid threats, including drone neutralization, and strategic railway infrastructure to improve the mobility of Polish and allied forces.