Poland’s armed forces are facing the need for deep and urgent modernisation, and this process is taking place at every level. Unlike many Western militaries, which have spent decades developing and refining modern systems, the Polish army is often forced to replace outdated equipment directly with new technologies. This is not a matter of choice, but a reflection of reality.
Platforms such as the Mi-24 helicopters, which have been operated for many years, as well as other older systems, no longer meet the requirements of the modern battlefield. The main factor determining the pace and scope of modernisation is pressure from the adversary. Russia is systematically developing and mass-producing conventional armoured, artillery and aviation systems.
Poland’s response must therefore include both investment in modern traditional platforms — such as tanks, artillery and aircraft — and the development of new technologies, including unmanned systems, electronic warfare capabilities and solutions based on artificial intelligence. In practice, this means the need to run procurement and development programmes in parallel.
“On the one hand, decisions are being made to acquire advanced tanks, both South Korean K2s and American Abrams, which are intended to fill the gap in armoured capabilities. On the other hand, modernisation includes the development of air defence, long-range systems such as Patriot, short-range systems and dedicated solutions for neutralising unmanned aerial vehicles, combining artillery, missiles and electronic warfare measures,” Mariusz Marszałkowski, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Defence24.pl, told eNewsroom.pl.
“At the same time, we are investing in the navy. The construction of modern Miecznik-class frigates is intended to strengthen the protection of maritime routes and coastal defence. It is also crucial to reinforce air and missile defence capabilities around key logistics hubs and critical infrastructure,” he said.
Modernisation also involves the development of reconnaissance, command and communication systems that enable the effective use of both traditional and autonomous assets. The logistical and personnel aspects cannot be overlooked either. Modern equipment requires proper technical support, spare parts depots, ammunition stockpiles, and trained crews and service personnel.
The transformation therefore concerns not only the purchase of platforms, but also training, maintenance and the integration of systems into a coherent operational doctrine. The key challenges remain financing, procurement coordination and the development of domestic production capabilities in order to reduce dependence on external suppliers and accelerate the implementation of innovation.
