Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki: Abrams, as the best tanks in the world, will have an excellent deterrence potential
23.12.2022
During a visit to the Land Forces Training Centre in Biedrusko, Greater Poland region, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with soldiers attending training on the world's best American M1A2 Abrams tanks. The Prime Minister thanked the Polish and American soldiers for their service and extended his best Christmas wishes to them. The Head of Government stressed that Poland is safe because it rests on two very strong pillars – international alliances with the world's strongest army and the very rapid strengthening of the Polish army and the Polish soldiers.
M1A2 Abrams tanks in the Polish Army
Investment in the Polish military is an investment in the peace and security of Poles. The context of Russian aggression against Ukraine has reassured us that we must continue to expand our defence potential.
The 2023 budget provides for unprecedented defence spending of PLN 97.4 billion or 3 per cent GDP. In 2015, it was only PLN 37 billion, or 2.2 per cent GDP. This is an increase of more than 160 per cent, allowing us to make further investments in our defence.
In April 2022, we signed a contract for the delivery of 250 third-generation Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks with accompanying equipment and an additional 116 Abrams M1A1 tanks. This is one of the key purchases for our military, alongside the Korean K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, Chunmoo rocket systems and FA-50 aircraft that we are already receiving.
A total of more than 150 soldiers took part in the training, conducted as part of the so-called Abrams Academy in 2022 at the Land Forces Training Centre Biedrusko, among other locations. The training will continue in 2023.
Poland in NATO – interoperability and readiness
The Abrams tanks that Poland is procuring are the same as the tanks that the US armed forces are equipped with – they are compatible with American equipment. It is extremely important that our new equipment meets NATO standards and is part of modern combat management systems. This allows for organised battlefield operations with our allies.
“This bond and this pillar of the Polish state's security – alongside a modern army, alongside the purchases of modern equipment – are also our alliances. We are part of the strongest military alliance in the history of the world. We are part of NATO. And our most important ally is the United States of America – the strongest army in the world,” emphasised Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
There are nearly 10,000 troops of US forces on Polish territory. In addition, allied forces are present in Poland as part of support from Canada, the UK, Romania and Croatia.
Committed to serving the Homeland
During a meeting with soldiers, the Head of Government summarised the year of readiness of Polish soldiers and extended his best Christmas wishes to them.
“Let us remember our wonderful, dear soldiers – proud to wear the Polish uniform and proud to defend Poland's security because they are often the ones who will not be sitting at the Christmas tables tomorrow and who Polish families will miss. That is why we owe special gratitude to them, for being on duty at their post – wherever they are, wherever the Republic of Poland needs them to be,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.