Defense

NATO's Strongest Commitment

4.2% of GDP on defense — more than the United States. The largest tank order in modern European history.

4.2%of GDP on defense — #1 in NATO
Spending

Outspending every ally

Poland spends a higher share of GDP on defense than any NATO member, including the United States. Most European allies still fall short of the 2% target.

Defense Spending — % of GDP — 2024
Poland
4.2%
UK
2.3%
Germany
1.9%
France
2.1%
USA
3.4%

NATO 2% target — Poland is one of few members consistently exceeding it.

$38B
Annual defense budget in current USD
World Bank / SIPRI
2,666
Total tanks ordered — largest tank procurement in modern European history
Defense News / SIPRI
Trajectory

The acceleration

Poland's defense spending has risen sharply since 2022, driven by the war in Ukraine on its eastern border. The trend is structural, not temporary.

Defense Spending as % of GDP — 2010 to present
1.0%2.0%3.0%4.0%5.0%200020102020PolandUSAUKFranceGermany

Dashed lines are projections. NATO 2% target was set in 2014.

Procurement

What the money buys

Poland is building one of the most capable land armies in Europe through massive procurement from the US, South Korea, and domestic production.

Major orders
K2 Black Panther tanks1,000
K9 Thunder howitzers672
HIMARS launchers500
M1A2 Abrams tanks366
AH-64E Apache helicopters96
F-35A Lightning II32
Defense News · SIPRI
PLN 10B
Eastern Shield program — 700km of border fortification with AI detection
Ministry of Defense
96%
Reduction in illegal border crossing attempts since Eastern Shield
Border Guard