The Polish government is responding to the new US foreign policy approach by deepening cooperation, particularly in the defence sphere. Warsaw is determined to maintain strong ties with Washington and to strengthen defence cooperation with its European allies.
Defense Cooperation with the US
In February, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praised Poland’s defense spending and encouraged other countries in the region to increase their defense budgets. Poland has taken steps to strengthen defense ties with the United States in 2023 and 2024. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland plans to purchase more defense equipment and ammunition from the United States, and announced that talks between the two countries are ongoing on joint defense industry projects.
Strengthening Defense Ties with Europe
Poland is not only deepening its relations with the United States, but also working to build a strong defense partnership with its European allies. Warsaw is in talks with the French to join the European nuclear deterrent program, while it is also taking steps to strengthen defense ties with other European countries. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized that Poland will increase its security by cooperating more closely not only with the United States, but also with European countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Poland's Defense Spending and Modernization
Following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, Poland has accelerated the modernization and expansion of its military. For 2024, the Polish cabinet aims to allocate a total of PLN 186,6 billion ($48,5 billion) to defense spending. The bulk of Poland’s defense budget is earmarked to finance major weapons purchases such as F-35 fighter jets, AH-64D helicopters, M1A2 Abrams tanks and Patriot air defense systems.
Defense Cooperation in Europe
Poland plans to join projects such as the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative and to engage in joint projects supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF). State-backed defence companies such as PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa) are exploring European collaborations to produce new main battle tanks.
Future Strategies
As Poland accepts that Ukraine’s accession to NATO is no longer possible, it will shift its relations with the United States to a more realistic approach and seek greater security cooperation in Europe. Poland is reportedly aware that Europe will need to fill the gap if military support for Ukraine declines.
Poland aims to deepen its defense ties with the United States while also building stronger defense cooperation with its European allies. This multifaceted strategy will strengthen Poland’s national security while contributing to defense policies in Europe and around the world.
