Rapid increase in Polish defence spending

In 2025, Poland is budgeting approximately 187 billion złoty (~€30 billion) for defence spending, equating to 4.7 % of GDP—the highest among NATO members. The government plans to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2026. The Polish government is also aiming to reinforce the military budget with substantial EU financing, in particular by having applied for nearly €45 billion from the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund for strategic defence infrastructure and equipment.

Outside of financing military equipment purchases based on contracts already in force, a substantial part of these funds shall be funneled into a robust technical modernization plan. As the defence procurement policy in Poland has rapidly shifted towards decreased reliance on U.S. suppliers for future contracts, this creates substantial opportunities for non-US foreign companies active in various areas of the military sector.

To streamline the procurement process, the government has also announced its intention to further simplify the procurement procedures for the Polish military.

Noteworthy spending plans of the Polish Armed Forces

Drones

The experiences of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are causing a change of spending priorities to adapt to the needs of a modern battlefield, with Polish military officials especially highlighting the “rapidly saturate” the military with uncrewed systems. Projected $55 million has been allocated for 2025 only to go towards both drones and associated training systems.

A centralized Drone Centre is in plans to be housed at the Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL) in Warsaw. It will coordinate testing, development, and deployment of unmanned systems across air, land, and maritime domains. A total of around 90 types of unmanned systems is intended to be tested across nine military units this autumn. These tests aim to identify future solutions while evaluating whether current equipment specifications align with the operational challenges of tomorrow.

A special legislative act, currently under parliamentary review, allows the military to buy tested drones outside standard procurement law. Once approved, this will streamline urgent acquisitions.

Submarines

Due to decades of underinvestment in its undersea capabilities, Poland currently operates a single aging Soviet-era Kilo-class submarine. With rising Russian naval activity—especially Kalibr-armed submarines in Kaliningrad—Poland needs credible undersea deterrent to protect maritime trade routes and critical offshore infrastructure.

Poland’s Orka programme aims to acquire a fleet of three (possibly four) modern diesel-electric attack submarines, ideally with air-independent propulsion and cruise-missile capability. The Defence Capability Development Plan (DCDP‑2025) allocates €5.8 billion for undersea systems through 2035

Tarcza Wschód (East Shield)

East Shield is a €2.3–2.6 billion programme to fortify Poland’s borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, extendable to NATO’s eastern perimeter. It’s slated to run through 2028.

The initiative shall in particular require procurement of state-of-the-art intelligence, surveillance and reconnaisance systems, to include tethered aerostats, AI-powered IMINT/SIGINT/acoustic sensors, anti-drone systems and encrypcted communications infrastructure.

These shall be integrated with:

• physical barriers – including anti-tank ditches, minefields, reinforced roads and bridges spread over approximately 400-500km of border terrain;
• logistics and mobility infrastructure (forward bases, storage depots, transport hubs and secure command posts) and
• civil defence infrastructure (shelters and bunkers for civilians and military personnel).

Air force

• Poland is rapidly building one of NATO’s strongest air forces.
• Poland aims to exponentially grow and diversify its combat air fleet, pursuing a three-tier combat aircraft structure: high-end stealth, mid-tier multirole and cost-effective light fighters.

Other priorities

Poland’s military spending is also intended in particular to expand the capabilities of:

• large armored formations and mechanized infantry units
• artillery and precision strike systems
• short-range and medium-range air defence systems.

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For companies looking to engage in defence-sector procurement processes in Poland, having experienced legal counsel is essential to effectively navigate the local regulatory landscape and defence-specific procedures. Strategic, on-the-ground legal support can make the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful contract award.

4K Legal has extensive experience in advising on defence sector projects, including those involving sensitive public procurement procedures tied to national security and strategic infrastructure. Our team understands the unique regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and confidentiality obligations applicable to defence-related contracts in Poland. We have successfully supported international defence contractors through complex tendering procedures, ensuring legal certainty at every stage and enabling smooth project execution in cooperation with key public and private stakeholders.