President Karol Nawrocki: Poland must have the strongest army in Europe

On Polish Armed Forces Day, President Karol Nawrocki delivered a powerful address, blending historical reflection with a clear strategic vision for Poland’s military future. His message: unity, modernization, and an unshakable maritime focus.

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15 august 2025   |   19:15   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Mikołaj Bujak / KPRP

- The great victory of the Poles in 1920 over the Bolsheviks left us, contemporary Poles, with a beautiful and important lesson, testimony and deep heritage, Nawrocki declared, noting that August holds special meaning in Polish history, from the triumph at the Battle of Warsaw to the 1980 “Solidarity” movement.

He stressed that “independence is a precious good, but it is also a very costly good” and pledged to push Poland to the top tier of NATO militaries: “We should not be the third, but the first – the strongest army of the North Atlantic Alliance in Europe. And I will strive for that.”

Unity as the foundation of security

Recalling the 1920 victory, Nawrocki highlighted the combined effort of farmers, students, scouts, professional soldiers, and volunteers. “Security cannot be the subject of political dispute. Never. And I will not allow it as the President of the Republic of Poland,” he emphasized.

He proposed a “supra-political commitment of the president and prime minister” under a Constitution of Security to secure a consistent defense policy “not only for years, but for decades.”

Russia is not invincible

Drawing on historical precedent, Nawrocki insisted that “Russia is not invincible” – defeated by Japan in the early 20th century, by Poland in 1920, and now bogged down in Ukraine. “Russia is, of course, a permanent threat, but history, national memory and our modernization efforts must allow us to think we are ready,” he said.

The president called unequivocally for more defense spending: “I will demand the allocation of 5% of Poland’s GDP to defense. This must happen as soon as possible.”

Baltic Sea security and the Orka submarine program

Turning to maritime strategy, Nawrocki stressed: “The Baltic Sea has essentially become the internal sea of the North Atlantic Alliance. We must implement the Orka Program because, as sailors have told me, we need Polish submarines – and they have been waiting for them for decades.”

He underscored that naval modernization and new shipbuilding are essential for protecting Poland’s coastline and maritime trade routes, in close cooperation with NATO allies and the United States.

Heavy armor and a larger army

Nawrocki praised recent acquisitions, including Apache helicopters, K2 tanks, and the second stage of the Wisła air-defense program. “We must create an armored fist and have a thousand K2 tanks,” he said, adding readiness to support the growth of the Polish Armed Forces to as many as 500,000 troops.

He cited the goal of “stabilizing six Polish land divisions”, including the 1st Legions Infantry Division and the 8th Home Army Infantry Division.

Domestic ammunition production

The president announced a priority project: “We are ready, in a short time, to produce one million 155 mm artillery shells per year and half a million tank shells. We must have our own Polish ammunition.”

He emphasized that these efforts are aimed at peace: “All of this is to ensure that there is no war.”

A salute to soldiers and citizens

Closing his speech, Nawrocki paid tribute to Polish service members past and present: “Joining the Polish Army is an act of heroism. Yes, you are the heroes of today.”

To the citizens, he said: “You have to love Poland to defend it, to have strong borders.”

The address concluded with an unequivocal pledge:

- Glory and honor to the heroes of 1920! Glory and honor to the heroes of today, the soldiers of the Polish Army! Long live a free, independent, and sovereign Republic of Poland!

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