Poland is making big changes to its military. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a plan to train all adult men. This is part of Poland’s effort to strengthen its defense. The goal is to build an army of 500,000 soldiers to protect against threats from Russia.
Tusk spoke to the Sejm on Friday. He said the government is working on a training model. They hope to finalize it by the end of the year. “Work is underway to prepare nationwide military training for all adult males who are not in the army,” he said.
Poland Increases Defense Spending
Poland is boosting its military while U.S. support for Europe weakens. Last year, Poland had 200,000 soldiers. The goal was to increase this number to 300,000. Now, Poland is aiming even higher.
Donald Tusk stressed that Poland must take care of its own security. “The situation in Poland and Ukraine has become more difficult in recent months, and we must respond accordingly,” he warned. He also said that getting strong security help from the U.S. for Ukraine is now “less likely than before.”
Because of this, Poland is looking for other options. Tusk confirmed he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. They discussed including Poland under France’s nuclear protection. He also suggested that Poland could consider its own nuclear defense.
“This is a race for security, not for war,” Tusk explained. He said Poland needs modern strategies, including advanced military technology.
Poland, Lithuania, and Finland Strengthen Defense
Poland is not alone in its plans. Lithuania and Finland are also increasing their military efforts. Both countries border Russia and are taking stronger security steps.
Lithuania currently drafts 3,900 young men each year. The government is now discussing whether to include women in the draft. Finland already has a long-standing system of military service and is increasing its defense budget.
These countries, along with Poland, are also thinking about leaving the Ottawa Convention. This treaty bans the use of anti-personnel landmines. But with the risk from Russia growing, they may want to use them for defense.
Poland is now one of NATO’s strongest members in Europe. It has the largest army in Europe and ranks third in NATO after the U.S. and Turkey. In 2024, Poland spent 4.2% of its GDP on defense. The plan is to increase this to 4.7% soon.
Military Training for All Men, Women Can Join Voluntarily
Tusk’s plan will require all adult men in Poland to take part in military training. Women will not have to join, but they can volunteer.
“War remains, to a large extent, the domain of men,” Tusk said. His statement reflects the fact that most military forces still consist mostly of men. However, Poland is one of 11 EU countries that allow women in frontline combat roles.
The government has not shared full details about the training. Some experts believe it may follow Switzerland’s system. In Switzerland, most men complete military training and stay in reserve forces for several years.
Tusk also spoke about Poland’s role in protecting NATO’s eastern border. “Poland’s duty is to protect NATO’s eastern frontier, which is also the border of the European Union,” he said. This means Poland’s military expansion is important not just for the country but for the whole region.
With the war in Ukraine ongoing and concerns about Russia rising, Poland is taking no chances. The country is investing heavily in defense. It is also making sure its people are ready for any situation.
For more updates on Poland’s military expansion, visit New York Mirror.