In 2026–2027, PLN 5 billion will be allocated to Operation Szpej – a large-scale program for the replacement and modernization of individual soldier equipment. A major novelty is that soldiers will be able to supplement their gear through voluntary private purchases. At the beginning of next year, the Ministry of National Defense (MON) will publish a so-called Green List – a catalog of authorized products approved for official use, from which soldiers will be free to choose according to their preferences.
“The Green List is our idea inspired by what already works in other armies around the world. The Americans, for example, have the Blue List. It is a set of equipment verified by the department and approved for individual soldier purchases. We are adapting these global solutions,” said Paweł Mateńczuk, aka Naval, plenipotentiary of the Minister of National Defense for the conditions of military service, in an interview with Newseria.
The Green List will provide guidance to soldiers and commanders by indicating which products, once purchased privately, can be officially used during service.
“Very often, a soldier has his own gear, but the commander can forbid its use because it is not issued officially. If something is on the Green List, it can be used without restrictions,” Mateńczuk explained.
According to the Ministry, soldiers will be able to purchase items from the list using their annual uniform allowance (mundurówka) – a financial equivalent granted each year for uniforms and other personal equipment. The idea is to make the best use of soldiers’ expertise and passion for service, involving them directly in choosing the right solutions.
Faster Introduction of Modern Equipment
The Green List will include both tested standard gear and innovative solutions. Currently, the lengthy procedures for testing and procurement mean that equipment often reaches soldiers only 18–24 months after it first appears at defense fairs like MSPO in Kielce.
“We know how quickly the industry evolves. By introducing equipment through the Green List, soldiers will be able to purchase and use it individually right away,” Mateńczuk emphasized.
How the Green List Will Work
The process will begin with companies applying to have their products considered via a dedicated online portal. A team of experts appointed by the Ministry will direct selected items to research centers for testing. If a product passes authorization, it will be added to the list. Otherwise, the manufacturer will receive feedback on what needs improvement.
“Products placed on the Green List will have been checked against the military’s criteria, so soldiers and commanders can be confident that the equipment has been tested by ministry experts,” Mateńczuk said.
Although priority will be given to Polish industry, the list will be open to all manufacturers – including smaller private firms that often struggle to break through in the defense sector.
“There will be a dedicated unit where companies can anonymously submit applications via a simple protocol. Every applicant will get feedback. The testing costs will be borne by the company wishing to enter the Green List,” Mateńczuk explained.
What Will Be on the List?
The Green List will mainly include personal soldier gear such as tactical glasses, protectors, boots, belts, gloves, rifle stocks, and small drones. The initial catalog is expected to be published at the beginning of 2026.
Massive Investment in Equipment
During the MSPO defense fair in Kielce, the Ministry of Defense reported that under Operation Szpej it has already procured:
- over 200,000 new Kevlar helmets,
- 100,000 bulletproof and tactical vests,
- more than 50,000 pieces of optoelectronic equipment,
- and over 1 million items of uniforms and gear.
Last year, PLN 3 million was allocated to equipment replacement. Over the next two years, this figure will rise dramatically – exceeding PLN 5 billion.
