We are expanding our country’s defence capabilities

We are expanding the Polish Armed Forces and retrofitting it with state-of-the-art equipment because we know that democracy, freedom and independence are not given once and for all. Caring for these values requires a readiness to defend them – also militarily. We are ensuring our army’s capabilities to protect Polish soil.

At the same time, we are disseminating security awareness among civilians – anyone can voluntarily undergo military training as part of Voluntary Basic Military Service or one-day ‘Train with the Army’ training. In the previous two editions of the project, more than 11,000 Poles trained with the military. More than 98.5 per cent of participants rated the training as meeting their expectations and worth participating in.

“We, too, encourage all citizens to participate in training in the use of weapons, to visit the shooting range, to learn to shoot, to participate in exercises such as this one – ‘Train with the Army’ and ‘Train with NATO’,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Military training for everyone – ‘Train with the Army’

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with participants of this military training. On the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Poland joining NATO, instructors from the armed forces of allied NATO countries also shared their knowledge with those taking part in the training. This is an excellent opportunity to share experiences.

“I am delighted that young people understand and feel perfectly what the value of independence, the value of freedom is all about, and that more and more young people want this freedom – this priceless gift that is given and bestowed – that they want to defend it,” said the PM after talks with training participants.

A modern army and strong alliances

Today, our country’s security is based on our defence capabilities and security guarantees from our allies. We are investing in the Polish Armed Forces and our defence industry thanks to stable public finances. In 2023, we will spend 4% of GDP on defence. This puts us at the forefront of NATO countries in terms of security spending.

“Today, we have a ‘Train with NATO’ exercise because Poland is part of NATO, the strongest military alliance in the history of the world. This is why we are safe. We met here with a group of people who volunteered for these exercises on the 24th anniversary of Poland’s accession to NATO. It was on 12 March 1999 that Poland became part of this alliance,” noted Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Approximately 11,000 troops from allied countries – including those from the USA, the UK, Canada, Romania and Croatia – are currently stationed in our country. In addition, allied forces are present in Poland as part of the Battalion Battle Group of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence on the eastern flank. Furthermore, we conduct many joint exercises and missions with our allies, guaranteeing full interoperability.

Poland in NATO – shoulder to shoulder for 24 years

Many years of diplomatic efforts and reforms concerning defence, among other things, resulted in Poland’s admission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on 12 March 1999. Over the past 24 years, Poland’s position in NATO has steadily grown. We are a reliable partner, actively shaping discussions and decisions in NATO. Polish soldiers participate in missions and military operations alongside allies. We are also present in the so-called NATO’s Forward Presence structures on the eastern flank in Latvia and Romania.

“Today, these exercises are also held by those who have taken part in military missions. And it is on these military missions that not only do soldiers get to know each other, gain experience, get to know modern equipment from other armies and work on the interoperability of equipment, but it is also where different concepts and strategies for defence for the future are born,” stressed Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.