Poland shifts defence spending to domestic, regional suppliers

Poland is intensifying domestic and Central European defence production as it builds what officials call Europe’s largest land army, aiming to cut reliance on distant suppliers amid the Ukraine war and Russia's threats. Spending on defence procurement from domestic firms, including joint ventures, has nearly quadrupled since 2022 to 30.4 billion zlotys, according to Armaments Agency data analysed by Reuters. Poland is projected to spend about €53 billion on core defence expenditures this year, ranking fourth in the EU behind France, Italy and Germany, and roughly 4.7% of GDP. While advanced U.S. systems like Patriot batteries, Abrams tanks and F-35 jets remain part of modernization, officials emphasize expanding domestic and regional production of drones, ammunition and other frequently used equipment for faster deliveries. The strategy includes increased collaboration with Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, with firms such as the Czech group CSG signing joint production agreements. Defence officials frame this shift as strengthening supply chain resilience and independence, ensuring frontline equipment can be sustained in a conflict, while still maintaining access to key foreign systems.