Warsaw has set its sights on building the most powerful land force on the continent within six years, as Poland’s defence minister warned that Europe must shoulder more of its own security burden without replacing the US role.
Poland intends to create the largest army in Europe by 2030, the country’s deputy prime minister and defence minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced on Wednesday at the Defence24DAYS arms exhibition.
“Our strategic goal by 2030 is to have 500,000 personnel in the armed forces – including both reservists and active-duty soldiers,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
He added that national security is impossible without the involvement of citizens, stressing the importance of civilian readiness, a comprehensive national defence training system, and public participation in ensuring the country’s resilience during crises.
The minister noted that the Polish military is undergoing a transformation shaped by the lessons of the war in Ukraine, with an emphasis on the widespread use of drone systems and emerging technologies. He argued that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence – not to replace the United States, but to strengthen its own deterrent capabilities.
On May 2, more than 3,500 troops from NATO member states and hundreds of military vehicles took part in the Amber Shock 26 exercises at a training ground in Orzysz, northern Poland. According to military commanders, the primary objectives were to practise tactical manoeuvres, improve interoperability among allies, and test the compatibility of NATO units in battle-like conditions.
