Poland will allocate 4.12 percent of its GDP to defense this year, the highest share among NATO members, according to estimates by the Alliance. This marks an increase from last year’s 3.26 percent of GDP.
Following Poland, Estonia and the United States are the next highest spenders in relation to their GDP, with Estonia spending 3.43 percent and the U.S. 3.38 percent; the NATO average stands at 2.71 percent.
These figures represent payments made by national governments during the fiscal year to meet the needs of their armed forces, allied forces or the Alliance itself, NATO explained in a statement.
In nominal terms, Poland’s defense spending is estimated to rise to 151.24 billion zlotys (approximately €34.85 billion) this year, up from 111.26 billion zlotys (€25.63 billion) last year.
The head of the Polish Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, citing the chief of the general staff of the Polish Armed Forces, General Wiesław Kukuła, announced that the Polish military now exceeds 200,000 soldiers.
“This year has been record-breaking in terms of military recruitment,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“We are one of the strongest armies in NATO. In the land domain, Poland is exceptionally strong. This is a source of pride and great gratitude towards all the soldiers who have joined the Polish Armed Forces in various types of service,” he added.
Regarding deterrence and defense, Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted decisions to strengthen command in Europe and confirmed significant tasks for the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin.
“Poland, along with Germany and Sweden, will rotate in commanding NATO allied operations in the Baltic on behalf of the member states — a coordinating role that has been confirmed by NATO countries,” he said.
