As it builds the largest army in Europe, Poland is turning to domestic and other Central European defense companies. Warsaw wants to reduce dependence on distant suppliers, who are unable to quickly accelerate deliveries, say government officials.
Poland’s defense spending through purchases from domestic companies, including joint ventures with other firms in Central Europe, has nearly quadrupled since 2022, reaching 30.4 billion zlotys ($8.15 billion) last year, according to data from the Armaments Agency analyzed by Reuters.
While the war in Ukraine has led to increased defense spending across Europe. In Poland, this is a top priority, as the two countries share a border, reports Agerpres.
State-affiliated Polish defense firms have once again ramped up their capital expenditures in the last year, and over ten government officials, companies, and experts have told Reuters that Warsaw’s new initiative reflects a shift that creates opportunities for defense firms in the region.
This year, Poland is expected to use approximately 53 billion euros ($61.45 billion) for basic defense expenditures, the fourth largest amount in the EU, after France, Italy, and Germany, according to NATO data, up from 44 billion euros in 2025 and equivalent to about 4.7% of the gross domestic product.
Although costly systems such as the US-made Patriot missile batteries, Abrams tanks, and F-35 fighter planes remain important, Polish officials say that expanding domestic and regional production of drones, ammunition, and other frequently used equipment has become a priority.