Poland’s government has announced that they intend to build the strongest army in Europe this year, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk declaring 2026 a “year of Polish acceleration.”
In his New Year’s address, Tusk said his administration will step up efforts to strengthen national defence and prioritise domestic industries, particularly the defence sector.
“We will accelerate construction of the strongest army in Europe,” Tusk said.
Tusk also promised a tougher stance on crime and a stricter “Polish first” rule in public procurement, aimed at favouring local companies in state contracts.
He stressed that Poland must be prepared for emerging security challenges while continuing large infrastructure projects and economic reforms.
Government’s defence and industry agenda
The prime minister’s remarks come amid broader efforts in Warsaw to modernise the armed forces.
Poland already spends a high share of its GDP on defence, far above NATO’s 2 per cent guideline. According to recent data, Poland allocated about 4.7 per cent of its GDP to defence spending, the highest, the highest in NATO.
Presidential support for military expansion
The conservative Polish president, Karol Nawrocki has often been at odds with the more liberal Polish government. However, on the matter of national defence they seem to be mostly in agreement.
Nawrocki, has also emphasised the importance of defence self-reliance and force growth in recent speeches.
He has stated his intent to see Poland become the strongest army in NATO in Europe, not just third strongest.
Strategic context and NATO ambitions
Poland’s push for military dominance comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Warsaw has been a vocal advocate for stronger NATO deterrence and enhanced defence cooperation among Alliance members.
What’s next?
The previous year saw the Polish government invest heavily on defence. The new year promises to be no different. The defence agenda is likely to feature prominently in budget discussions, and legislative priorities.
But whether Warsaw achieves its goal of having the strongest army in Europe only time will tell.
It will depend on sustained political consensus, and significant funding commitments for the foreseeable future.