"Welcome, heroes": President Karol Nawrocki assumes command of the Polish Armed Forces

“Welcome, heroes”: a message that resonated

President Nawrocki’s speech, delivered in front of soldiers, commanders, and citizens, struck a powerful and emotional tone. He addressed the troops with clarity and conviction:

- Welcome, heroes – said Karol Nawrocki, President of the Republic of Poland and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

This phrase echoed loudly across the country, quickly becoming a symbolic headline for a presidency that aims to strengthen the unity between the Polish state and its military.

From memory to responsibility

The President emphasized that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is not just a historic landmark – it is a living reminder of the price of freedom.

- Our independence, freedom, and sovereignty came at the cost of countless lives and sacrifice. Today, we are fully aware of whom we owe this to – said Karol Nawrocki.

Every soldier is a hero

Breaking with the often distant tone of high offices, President Nawrocki adopted a direct, personal approach toward the armed forces. He declared that every member of the military – from private to general – is a hero of the national community.

- Everyone who joins the Polish Army knows they might have to give their life for their homeland. That alone makes them a hero.

He also described the army as the immunological system of the state, stressing the need for institutional support – especially from the Presidency.

A commander ready to act

Nawrocki expressed his intent to be an active Supreme Commander, directly involved in recruitment, training, and modernization of the military. He also assured continued support for defense procurement and reform efforts initiated by previous governments.

- I will stand behind every soldier, every recruit, and every young person willing to serve Poland. Because the strength of our army depends on their spirit and determination.

Defense, technology, and innovation

As part of his long-term vision, Nawrocki announced the creation of a Department of Disruptive Technologies within the National Security Bureau (BBN). This new unit will support the Ministry of Defense in developing advanced capabilities – reducing human risk by leveraging technological superiority.

He also stated:

• There is no safe Poland without a strong military
• There is no prosperity without security
• There are no strong alliances if we cannot defend ourselves

A 300,000-strong military force?

One of the most ambitious declarations came with the vision of a 300,000-strong army, aiming to become NATO’s most powerful land force in Europe.

- I believe that in 5, 10, or 20 years, Poland can become a military powerhouse on this continent. And I will do everything in my power to make that happen – the President said.

He emphasized interoperability within NATO, domestic defense production, and logistical self-reliance as key pillars of this strategic vision.

Naval forces and maritime defense matter

While the main focus was on land forces, maritime security and the Navy were not overlooked. President Nawrocki made it clear that a modern army includes a strong Navy, strategic port infrastructure, and a robust shipbuilding industry.

The defense of Poland’s interests in the Baltic Sea – as well as the resilience of its maritime supply chains – will be crucial components of national security. This signals a renewed role for the naval and shipbuilding sectors, long marginalized in defense planning.

A date with history

The ceremony on August 6 was symbolic. On this day in 1914, the First Cadre Company left Kraków’s Oleandry to form the nucleus of the modern Polish Army. Quoting Józef Piłsudski, Nawrocki recalled:

- Today you are the Polish Army. There are no more Riflemen, no more Drużyniacy. There is only one emblem – the white eagle.

Echoing this, the President told today’s soldiers:

- Your symbol is the white eagle. Your flag – the white and red. And your president will never say: go. He will always say: follow me. I was, I am, and I will be with you.

A new chapter for Poland and its defense industry

Karol Nawrocki’s speech marks not just a change of leadership, but a shift in tone and strategic direction. A presidency shaped by the spirit of Westerplatte, Gdańsk, and the Polish struggle for sovereignty, begins with three clear pillars: responsibility, modernization, and unity.

For the defense sector, maritime industry, logistics, shipbuilding, and TSL, this signals a historic opportunity. As Nawrocki emphasized – the army must remain above politics, but it cannot stand apart from national effort.