Big spender for arms

International arms firms are lining up as Poland aims to spend billions over the next decade to modernize their military, but they will have to cooperate with Polish companies to be successful.

Poland is spending  zł.139 billion and is one of the few EU countries that has not only has maintained its level of its defense spending since the beginning of the global financial crisis, but even plans to increase it in the coming years. 

The Polish Constitution demands the country spend at least 1.95 percent of its GDP on defense. With the number of Polish troops shrinking to below 100,000 soldiers in 2012, more money has been freed up to better equip those who remain.

Equipment spending will double and money has been earmarked for a new missile defense system, new vessels for the navy, new tanks, new training equipment, 70 new helicopters, drones and new state-of-the-art equipment for ground troops.

Poland's defense ministry has clearly stated that the bulk of the contracts will go to Polish companies or foreign firms working with Polish partners. Contracts will also go to foreign entities that offer technology transfers or place production in Poland. The Defense Ministry expects that Polish companies will take up to 80 percent of future contracts (compared to 50 percent currently). 


See Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters made in Poland