Poland Military Modernization Plan
Change is occurring in every area of Poland’s military operation including force and staff structure, training programs, doctrine, and security procedures. Modernization plans include improvement of troop capacity/mobility and air defense systems and further development of a professional army. Poland leads the former East-Bloc countries in transforming from Soviet-era equipment to modern NATO platforms. The total for 2020-2035 modernization plan is estimated at $133B. In 2020, Poland allocated 2.1% of 2019 GDP, an amount estimated at $11.9B (1USD = 4.2PLN) for total defense expenditures, of which about $11.67B is dedicated to national defense. This is a y-o-y increase of 11.3% and includes $3.19B allocated for arms and technical modernization. The government intends to increase spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. 2020 Modernization Plan spending includes:
Air Defense Systems, including further supply of Piorun missiles and Poprad missiles; beginning supply of Pilica rocket-artillery systems and continuation of financing Wisła medium-range anti-aircraft and missile system (IBCS/Patriot system); C4ISR System Integrated support and command systems and C4ISR battlefield imaging; Combating threats at sea; Modernization of Armored and Mechanized Forces including continued modernization of the Leopard 2 tanks to the 2PL standard; Imaging and satellite recognition; Individual soldier equipment and armament TYTAN; Modernization of Rocket and Artillery military units - including Regina artillery modules with Krab self-propelled howitzers; Rak self-propelled mortars, and continued funding of acquisition of Homar multi-rocket launchers ; Simulators and trainers; AJT training aircraft; Rosomak program; Spike precision weapons antitank missile.
These programs will cost nearly USD 1.43B. The additional USD 1.76B will be spent on F-35, C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, guided air-to-ground missiles and short- and medium-range guided air-to-air missiles for F-16C/D, high mobility vehicles for aero-mobile troops, engineering support works for the EOD/IED mission, individual armament, night vision and optical equipment, IT equipment and software, modernization of Orkan rocket ships, BPz-2 armored tractors and NUR-12 radar stations, and modification of BWR-1S/D vehicles.
The modernization plan is based on three principles: 1) assessment of Polish military needs, 2) timeframe for delivery of equipment, and 3) Polish industry participation. The implementation of the program has placed an emphasis on using Polish defense industry capabilities, especially the Polish Armament Group (PGZ) companies. U.S, companies are encouraged to work with Polish defense companies seeking cooperation agreements or joint venture opportunities that, combined with the relatively lower cost of production in Poland, will be attractive to potential customers.
The Polish government is required by law to hold tenders for major procurements, though there is a national security exception. Financial value, project complexity, international cooperation, and political sensitivity determine the project category. Polish officials maintain that the most important factor in awarding a contract is price, after which other variables, such as quality, availability of service and training, and technical assistance for the installation, as well as the start-up operation of the equipment, becomes important. Receptivity to U.S. products is high due to an excellent reputation for high quality, reliability, and technical assistance. U.S. firms should focus on educating end-users and other players in the defense sector. A successful U.S. exporter is expected to support its agent/representative at trade shows, seminars, and conferences.
For more information about the Defense Industry Sector in Poland, please contact U.S. Commercial Service Poland, Commercial Specialist Zofia Sobiepanek-Kukuryka (zofia.sobiepanek@trade.gov)