Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki: We are preparing the strongest possible army to ensure the security of Poland
08.09.2022
In the light of Russian aggression on Ukraine, development and modernization of Polish army is one of crucial tasks of the government. That is why we significantly accelerated the increase in military expenditure – it will be 3% of the GDP next year. It means over PLN 97 billion designated on the development of Polish army. We will also allocate PLN 30-40 billion to arms procurement. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki visited 30th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce, that currently are the capitol of European defence industry.
Aim of the government: secure Poland and safe Poles
As the Prime Minister pointed out, only those who are able to defend themselves are supported and defended. “That is why today we are preparing the best and the most modern arms for our army” - stressed the head of the government. “We are building a strong army, strong enough not to engage in an actual fight. You want peace, get ready for war” – he explained.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that we can think about Polish defence industry with pride, even though our actions need to be supplemented abroad. “The time of peace and security in Europe has ended this year, on 24 February with Russia's cruel attack on Ukraine”- the head of the government noted.
More soldiers and arms
Since 2015, the number of soldiers in the Polish Armed Forces has increased from 95 thousand to over 140 thousand. In connection with the war in Ukraine, we want to increase this number even more - to about 300 thousand soldiers. It will be approximately 250 thousand professional soldiers and approximately 50 thousand. soldiers of the Territorial Defence Forces.
At the end of 2022, defence expenditure will reach 2.4% GDP, which significantly exceeds the minimum NATO requirements (2% of GDP for defence). This puts Poland among the leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization when it comes to military expenditures.
As a result of our actions, next year defence expenditures will increase to 3% GDP. In 2015, they amounted to PLN 37.1 billion, and we have planned PLN 97.4 billion in the 2023 state budget for this purpose. Additionally, we will allocate PLN 30-40 billion to arms procurement. We focus on equipment produced by Polish arms factories, but we also look at modern solutions offered by foreign manufacturers.
30th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Kielce
MSPO is a comprehensive presentation of military equipment, but also allows for business meetings and contracts concluded between defence sector manufacturers from different continents. Polish exhibition is ranked third among all Europe's exhibitions, after the Paris and London trade shows. The strategic partner of MSPO is Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa.
In 2022 the MSPO is held in Kielce for the 30th time. Polish and global defence industry leaders' expo stands showcase the most modern solutions related to the military, such as equipment for armoured and mechanized infantry, artillery and missile systems, or unmanned aerial vehicles.
