Poland secures €43.7 billion from EU SAFE programme. Largest allocation for defence

A total of 19 member states submitted requests amounting to €150 billion. Poland emerged as the biggest beneficiary, with resources earmarked for major capability upgrades and modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces.

Key investment priorities

Funds from SAFE will support:

• air and missile defence,
• artillery systems,
• procurement of ammunition, drones and counter-drone systems,
• protection of critical infrastructure and military mobility,
• cybersecurity resilience.

- We want these funds to strengthen the key capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. It will also support strategic resilience, protection of critical infrastructure and the cyber domain, said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defence.

Context and strategic impact

The SAFE programme was launched during Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. Establishing the instrument was a priority for Warsaw, reflecting Europe’s growing security concerns and Russia’s continued military build-up.

- This is the largest amount allocated to any member state. I remember signing the application a few weeks ago – it was a critical moment. We worked closely with the Armaments Agency, with Polish industry and with international partners. The funds will cover new procurements as well as refinancing of already signed contracts, explained Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a media briefing on 9 September 2025, prior to his departure for the E5 meeting in London.

Orka submarine programme in focus

In this context, attention increasingly turns to the Orka programme – Poland’s long-delayed effort to acquire a new generation of submarines for the Navy. With SAFE resources now secured, Warsaw may consider channelling part of the funds into Orka, one of the most capital-intensive projects in the modernisation plan. EU-backed financing could accelerate its implementation, enhancing deterrence in the Baltic Sea and strengthening NATO’s posture on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

Boost for industry and the economy

According to the Defence Minister, the SAFE decision is not only an investment in national security, but also a driver for the domestic defence industry and the wider economy.

- This is a massive investment in jobs, but above all – in security. It is a success of Poland’s EU Presidency and of European cooperation. We will use these funds to purchase equipment from the Polish defence industry and European partners. (…) Special priority will be given to the Eastern Shield, as well as drone and counter-drone capabilities that are urgently needed for NATO’s eastern flank, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The SAFE programme is also expected to accelerate the transformation of the Polish Armed Forces, with investments covering the production of Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, Baobab artillery systems, Piorun MANPADS, and other capabilities critical for border protection.