Poland's record defense spending requires deep institutional reforms, experts say

As Poland's defense budget scales toward a planned 200.1 billion zlotys (4.81 percent of GDP) by 2026, Polish defense analysts and military experts emphasize that large-scale acquisitions must be accompanied by institutional reforms.

Recent procurements feature advanced hardware, including F-35 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and HIMARS rocket artillery. However, think tanks such as Rozwój Plus and the Defence Institute argue that spending alone cannot build effective deterrence. Experts warn that Poland's military system faces structural vulnerabilities in rapid mobilization, command structures, personnel retention, and acquisition frameworks.

Analysts stress that converting record defense funding into actual operational readiness requires replacing inefficient procurement models and addressing institutional inertia. Without comprehensive organizational overhauls, experts caution that the armed forces may struggle to effectively operationalize new systems or withstand an initial strike in a potential conflict.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info