Poland wants to have 500,000 soldiers, reservists by 2039 amid Russia tensions

LONDON

Poland wants to expand its armed forces to 500,000 soldiers and reservists by 2039, officials announced Friday, as Warsaw seeks to strengthen its military amid tensions with Russia.

The enlarged force would include 300,000 active-duty soldiers and 200,000 reservists, featuring a new high-readiness reserve unit, according to public broadcaster TVP World, which cited the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces.

Poland has an army of about 215,000 soldiers, excluding reservists, making it the third-largest in NATO.

The Defense 24 military website reported that as of last summer, the force comprises 154,000 professional soldiers, nearly 20,000 volunteers with basic training, and 37,000 troops serving in the territorial army.

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has prompted a wave of military investment across Europe, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank.

Poland is planning to spend around 5% of its GDP on defense in 2026.

Among the program’s priorities, the Polish army said, is the development of “multi-domain” capabilities across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace, along with weapons designed for “punishment” and technologies aimed at “denying” the enemy.

The program seeks to expand the use of drones and AI in reconnaissance, decision-making and strategy.

The Polish Armed Forces described the initiative as “a key step towards a long-term transformation of the Polish Army” capable of “effective deterrence and, if necessary, conducting a successful defensive operation.”