Poland’s Armed Forces Day parade commemorated the country’s victory over the Soviet Union in the historic Battle of Warsaw. The parade, which marked its 103rd anniversary, showcased Poland’s state-of-the-art weaponry as tensions continue to rise in neighboring Ukraine. With parliamentary elections approaching in October, defense has become a focal point for the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened the urgency to strengthen Poland’s armed forces. The parade served as a platform to demonstrate the government’s commitment to national security during the election campaign. Among the impressive display of military hardware were Abrams tanks, HIMARS mobile artillery systems, Patriot missile systems, F-16 fighter planes, South Korean FA-50 fighters, K9 howitzers, and much more.
Participating in the parade were approximately 2,000 troops from Poland and other NATO countries, along with 200 military vehicles and nearly 100 aircraft. President Andrzej Duda emphasized the importance of defending Poland’s eastern border, highlighting it as a key element of the country’s state interest.
Poland has significantly expanded its army over the past eight years, growing from 100,000 troops to more than 175,000 today. In line with this expansion, the defense budget for this year reached a record high of 137 billion zlotys ($34bn), accounting for approximately 4 percent of the country’s GDP. The aim of this military modernization is to equip Poland’s armed forces and create a robust defense system that discourages potential attacks.
While the government is facing criticism for taking out substantial loans to finance these military purchases, the focus remains on strengthening the armed forces. The conservative government has already spent over $16bn on tanks, missile interceptor systems, and fighter jets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These military upgrades have allowed Poland to enhance its defense capabilities and replace Soviet- and Russian-made equipment previously provided to Ukraine.
In addition to investing in weaponry, Poland has also taken measures to fortify its borders. The country has increased its troop presence and constructed a wall along the border with Belarus to deter potential aggression and prevent the influx of migrants.
As Poland commemorates the Battle of Warsaw and strengthens its defense capabilities, the government’s commitment to maintaining national security remains unwavering. With the upcoming parliamentary elections, the focus on defense is set to influence the country’s political landscape and shape its future.
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