NATO member Poland held its largest military parade since the Cold War to commemorating the victory over Soviet forces in 1920 and showcased the country’s state-of-the-art weaponry, underlining the significance of defense amidst the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine and ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for October.
The parade featured an array of state-of-the-art equipment, including U.S.-made Abrams tanks, HIMARS mobile artillery systems, Patriot missile systems, F-16 fighter planes, South Korean FA-50 fighters, K9 howitzers, and even a U.S. Air Force F-35.
The inclusion of Polish-manufactured gear like Krab tracked gun-howitzers and Rosomak armored transporters showcased the country’s growing defense capabilities.
President Andrzej Duda, also the chief commander of Poland’s armed forces, emphasized the significance of safeguarding the nation’s eastern border, particularly in the face of Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine.
“The defense of our eastern border, the border of the European Union and of NATO is today a key element of Poland’s state interest,” Duda said.
Biggest military parade since Cold War
Approximately 2,000 troops, 200 vehicles, and nearly 100 aircraft participated in the parade, underscoring Poland’s strengthening armed forces.
Over the past eight years, the nation’s armed forces have grown from 100,000 to more than 175,000 troops. This expansion has been accompanied by an investment of over $16 billion in modern equipment, such as tanks, missile interceptors, and fighter jets sourced from the U.S. and South Korea.
Poland’s defense budget
President Duda disclosed that Poland’s defense budget for the year stands at a record 137 billion zlotys ($34 billion), constituting about 4% of the gross domestic product, the highest proportion within NATO. The goal of this significant modernization effort is to create a formidable defense system that would dissuade potential aggressors and ensure the protection of the country.
Poland to beef up its military presence on Belarus Border
Poland intends to deploy up to 10,000 more troops along its border with Belarus, as announced by Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. Out of this number, 4,000 soldiers will directly support the Border Guard, while 6,000 will remain in reserve, Blaszczak stated in a radio interview.
The move aims to deter potential aggression and safeguard the border against any attacks. The decision follows concerns about the presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus, and ongoing military exercises in the region.
President Alexander Lukashenko’s invitation to these mercenaries has raised tensions, prompting Poland’s proactive response. Additionally, a rise in attempted border crossings by migrants and refugees has further spurred Poland’s focus on border security.