Polish experts urge deep institutional reforms alongside historic defense spending

Polish military analysts and think tanks are urging Warsaw to combine its unprecedented defense spending with comprehensive structural reforms. Poland’s defense budget is projected to reach 200.1 billion zlotys by 2026, or 4.81 percent of its GDP, funding major acquisitions of advanced weaponry such as F-35 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and HIMARS artillery.

However, recent reports warn against building an "army for war, not for parade" without fixing underlying institutional challenges. Experts from organizations including Rozwój Plus and the Defence Institute argue that large-scale procurement cannot guarantee deterrence against Russia unless Poland overhauls its defense procurement system, command structures, and personnel recruitment. Analysts emphasize that transforming record spending into operational combat readiness requires building agile mobilization capabilities and strengthening domestic defense industry governance.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info