“Iron Defender” as a Response to the “Zapad” Manoeuvres

The “Iron Defender” exercises, which began in September, are NATO’s response to the ongoing “Zapad” military manoeuvres involving Russian and Belarusian troops.

“I would like to thank our allies very much – above all from the United States. We are all acting in solidarity to strengthen NATO’s defence capabilities. These manoeuvres are defensive in nature and are a response to the aggressive manoeuvres on the other side of the border,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in a statement to the media at the training range in Ustka.

In parallel with these exercises, the Polish army continues to perform its duties related to border protection and national security. Soldiers are maintaining full operational readiness.

“Today’s manoeuvres do not disrupt the defence capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. Operations such as ‘Safe Podlasie’ or ‘Baltic Sentry’ are still ongoing,” confirmed Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The aim of “Iron Defender” is to demonstrate unity, professionalism and the consistent strengthening of combat capabilities by the Alliance countries. Training is being conducted both at training centres – including Orzysz, Dęba and Ustka – and in so-called ad hoc terrain, meaning outside designated ranges. The exercise scenario has been designed to resemble a real-life situation as closely as possible and incorporates lessons learned from Ukraine.

Modern Technologies on the Contemporary Battlefield

Unprecedented exercises took place in Ustka. It was there that live firing with the American Patriot air and missile defence system was carried out for the first time, alongside HIMARS systems. For the first time in history, exercises using an integrated battle management system were also organised. Currently, only Poland and the United States are testing the capabilities of this system.

“For us this is extremely important, because this integrated system enables full coordination of air defence and land operations. It also makes it possible to integrate our activities with the entire suite of solutions we call the ‘Eastern Shield’ – and thus has a direct impact on our security along the eastern border,” assured Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The exercises are part of a broader transformation of the Polish armed forces. The army is using modern equipment and operating in line with the current requirements of the battlefield.

Land forces, air forces, the Navy, the Territorial Defence Forces and special forces are all taking part in “Iron Defender”.

“We are the third-largest army in the North Atlantic Alliance. But in order to be on the podium when it comes to operational capabilities, we need exercises like the one taking place today,” said Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The exercises conducted under “Iron Defender” test the readiness of troops to operate in every combat environment. They also lead to the full certification of the forces responsible for air defence of the Polish state.

The Military Has the Decisive Voice on Armaments Purchases

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also referred to the process of procurement for the army. It is the military, not politicians, who decide what purchases look like, what specific decisions are made on technologies and particular equipment, and what form the exercises take.

“No civilian will interfere in this. Our task is to provide full political support and to ensure that the entire Polish state – the entire Polish nation – stands today with Polish soldiers and the Polish army, whatever the situation,” said Donald Tusk.

The President of the Council of Ministers also announced that the government would adopt a decision the following day to launch the “Orka” programme. Its aim is to rebuild the submarine capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces.

The “Iron Defender” Exercises

From 12–19 September, a system training entitled “Deep Fire Strikes in Tactical Operations in the Land, Air and Maritime Domains” is taking place in Ustka, Ustronie Morskie and Mińsk Mazowiecki. It is part of the “Iron Defender” exercise programme under the codename “Autumn Fire-25”.

At the same time, manoeuvres involving allied forces – including Polish troops – are also being held in Lithuania and Latvia. Polish soldiers are also taking part in NATO exercises on the Swedish island of Gotland.

Since the beginning, more than 60,000 soldiers have participated in the “Iron Defender” exercises. The vast majority of them are Polish soldiers.