Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has recently highlighted the growth of the Polish army, stating that it is now the third-largest in NATO. As of now, Poland’s military consists of 205,000 soldiers, and the country is planning to increase that number to 207,000 by the end of the year. This makes Poland a significant military force within the NATO alliance, surpassed only by the United States and Turkey in terms of the number of active personnel.
Poland’s emphasis on military expansion reflects its strategic concerns, particularly in light of growing security challenges in Eastern Europe and its proximity to the conflict in Ukraine. The country has been investing heavily in defense, including modernization efforts, to bolster its capabilities. This move is aligned with Poland’s broader aim to increase its deterrence and defense posture within NATO, making it a pivotal player in regional security.
Kosiniak-Kamysz’s remarks underline Poland’s intent to play a key role in NATO’s collective defense, contributing not just in terms of troop numbers but also through procurement of modern military equipment, such as tanks, fighter jets, and air defense systems.