For years, Poland was a spectator in European and NATO armaments programs, often criticized for sitting on the sidelines. Today, Warsaw is building its military capabilities at a pace and scale that many allies can only envy – producing its own infantry fighting vehicle, developing a domestic tank, and constructing the largest air defense program in Europe. But the war next door presents a unique chance to leapfrog even further.
The shift is dramatic. While multinational projects like the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) or the European drone program Eurodrone remain stuck in political bickering and cost overruns, Poland has moved from concept to serial production. The Borsuk infantry fighting vehicle, integrated with Polish command systems and a remotely operated turret, is already entering service. The K2PL tank production line is set to start within two years, giving Poland the largest tank fleet in the region.
Poland’s approach to European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) exemplifies the new stance. Warsaw joined the German-led air defense project in 2024, but on its own terms – with its own Patriot batteries, Narew short-range systems, and a network of Polish radars. – We entered European formats not as an outsider, but as a key partner shaping continental defense – said a senior official from the Ministry of National Defense.
Lessons from F-35 and the case for joining next-gen fighter program
The memory of missing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program still stings. Countries that joined as partners – Britain, Italy, Norway – gained technology transfers, production shares, and preferential purchase terms. Poland buys the F-35 as an export client, paying full price with no industrial participation. Former Air Force Inspector Gen. Tomasz Drewniak argues this must not be repeated. – Poland should join a European next-generation fighter program because only participation gives access to technologies you cannot buy off the shelf, competencies in AI, sensors, software integration, and real economic benefits – Drewniak said.
Yet Warsaw remains selective. It avoids projects that exist only on paper, like the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS (Future Combat Air System), which is reportedly a decade behind schedule and on the verge of abandonment. Similarly, the European drone project Eurodrone is six years late and 40% over budget, while Poland has operational systems like the FlyEye and Warmate drones, battle-proven in Ukraine.
Ukraine as a technological partner – an opportunity not to be missed
In July 2026, a coalition of ten countries – including Denmark, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the UK – announced a joint project to develop a Ukrainian ballistic missile defense system called Freya, intended as a cheaper Patriot alternative. Poland was notably absent from the initial list. Prime Minister Donald Tusk explained the coalition is open, and Polish firms are still assessing their potential contribution.
But the real prize lies in direct cooperation with Ukraine. Kyiv has developed one of the world’s most experienced drone and missile industries under combat conditions, iterating faster than any European program. Polish companies already produce the Warmate loitering munition and the FlyEye reconnaissance drone. – Collaboration with Ukraine on air defense and unmanned systems can give us access to battlefield experience no NATO army, except the US, possesses – noted a defense analyst familiar with the talks. Poland should not enter every European program, especially those stuck in endless studies, but a partnership with Ukraine in rocket and drone technology could fill critical gaps quickly and affordably.
Poland’s indigenous programs – from the Homar-K multiple rocket launchers with 290 launchers and 10,000 rockets, to the production of American Barracuda 500 missiles – demonstrate that Warsaw can build advanced capabilities faster than many consortiums. Yet the war next door is a live laboratory. Ignoring it would be a strategic mistake.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. HSW / WNP.PL
