Polish Defence Modernization: Between strategic intent and spending reality
Sep 09, 2014 20:38 UTCGuest article by Dominik Kimla, Ph.D.
The 22nd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2014) was a good opportunity to take a closer look at the ambitious technical modernization program of the Polish Armed Forces. Poland is among the very few European countries that has been increasing its military spending, as part of a shift away from Soviet-era gear and toward modern Western systems. The Polish government’s legal commitment to allocate 1.95% of the previous year’s gross domestic product (GDP) to defence spending, and a growing threat perception from Russia, are strengthening Poland’s political commitment.
Even so, the forecast made by the Polish Ministry of National Defence (MoND) appears to be overly optimistic regarding the availability of funds…