The recent Russian drone attacks on Poland serve as a reminder that national security does not depend solely on the army and technology, but also on the legal framework governing military and critical infrastructure procurement. In times of threat, one question becomes crucial: does the current public procurement system keep pace with the realities of modern conflict?
Defense Procurement – More Than Weapons and Missiles
Public procurement in the broad field of security covers not only contracts for military equipment but also services such as facility protection, IT support, or construction of civilian infrastructure. All these purchases are subject to the special provisions of the Public Procurement Law of September 11, 2019 (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1320).
“Defense procurement is not just about major arms contracts. It also includes everyday services and supplies which, in times of crisis, determine the resilience of the state—from facility protection and transportation to cybersecurity,” explains Michał Liżewski, public procurement expert at LEGALLY.SMART law firm.
Procedures Versus Crisis Realities
The nature of these contracts means higher financial thresholds, stricter requirements for contractors, and additional security procedures. Such contracts are prestigious but also less accessible to many companies.
Significantly, Poland is allocating record-high defense spending—PLN 201 billion in 2026, equal to 4.83% of GDP and over 20% of all budget expenditures. This is the highest level within NATO. Funds are planned for artillery, drone systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and logistics.
“The Public Procurement Law provides various procedures that should be treated as tools for meeting public needs in the most effective way—at both national and local levels. In the face of recent hybrid and drone attacks, prevention becomes key. This means procurement that anticipates future threats. The law must keep pace with reality, because in defense, response time is as important as the technology itself,” emphasizes Liżewski.
Time for a Debate on Change?
The current regulations implement EU directives and, in many cases, work well. However, the question of their flexibility in the face of real threats remains. Should Poland consider simplifying procedures to enable faster defense and security-related purchases?
As recent events show, this issue is gaining importance—not only among legal experts but increasingly in public debate.
Author: Michał Liżewski
Source: CEO.com.pl
