Polish defense experts urge systemic reforms alongside record military spending

Polish defense experts and analytical institutes are calling for systemic institutional reforms to accompany the nation's unprecedented increase in military expenditure. Poland’s defense budget is projected to reach 4.81 percent of gross domestic product, or 200.1 billion zlotys, by 2026. While funding supports major hardware purchases including F-35 aircraft, Abrams tanks, and HIMARS rocket systems, analysts argue that procurement alone will not ensure combat readiness.

Reports from organizations such as Rozwój Plus and the Defence Institute warn that without overhaul in mobilization frameworks, command structures, and acquisition governance, the armed forces risk strategic drift. Experts stress that institutional capacity must be modernized to guarantee effective deterrence and enable the military to absorb a potential first strike.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info