Poland plans record military budget: Details revealed
Photo: Poland has planned a record military budget (Getty Images)
The Polish government plans to spend about $54.75 billion on defense in 2026, which will amount to 4.8% of the country’s GDP. This is a record figure in the country’s history, the press service of the Polish government reports.
In particular, the Polish government noted that the planned figure of 4.8% of GDP is one of the highest among NATO member states.
“We know why we are doing this; we see it beyond our eastern border - the war is gaining momentum. We will continue to arm Poland and prepare it for every eventuality,” said the Polish Prime Minister.
Donald Tusk also emphasized that a modern and combat-ready army is necessary to protect the country from all external threats.
Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domański added that the budget deficit in 2026 will amount to 271.7 billion zlotys (74.35 billion dollars), which is 6.5% of GDP. In turn, the country’s revenues are expected to reach 647 billion zlotys (177.04 billion dollars), almost 44 billion zlotys (12 billion dollars) higher than the 2025 forecast.
Poland strengthens its army
Recently, Polish Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz spoke about his country’s desire to increase the number of troops on the border with Belarus.
Later, Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified that Poland wants to implement the Eastern Shield project, which involves strengthening the country’s borders with Russia and Belarus.
In addition, Poland recently signed a contract with South Korea to purchase 180 K2 tanks. As a result, the country will have over 1,100 tanks - more than the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy combined.
Previously, Poland had already purchased K239 Chunmoo MLRS, FA-50 light attack aircraft, and K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. In addition, the country acquired Abrams tanks, Apache attack helicopters, HIMARS launchers, and Patriot missile defense systems from the United States.
