Poland to have strongest land army in Europe by 2026: Defense minister

By Jo Harper

WARSAW (AA) - Poland’s Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Monday that the country will have the strongest land army in Europe by 2026.

"Within two years, the Polish Army will have the strongest land army, and one of the most important components of the land army will be rocket artillery," he said at a press conference in the north-central Polish city of Torun.

According to the Global Firepower 2023 Military Strength Ranking, the UK, France, and Italy have the strongest militaries in Europe after Russia.

The Armament Agency of the country signed a framework agreement with the US government this week for the supply of 486 HIMARS long-range artillery launchers.

Blaszczak said the Polish Army will have 500 HIMARS launchers in 28 squadrons by 2026, with deliveries beginning at the end of 2025.

The integration of US HIMARS launchers with Polish systems will take place within the next two years, he said.

Last fall, the Defense Ministry signed an agreement with South Korea under which Poland will receive 288 Chunmoo launchers, self-propelled multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) capable of firing a variety of guided or unguided artillery rockets.

The ministry signed a $1.4 billion contract with the US for the delivery of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks earlier this year.

Warsaw's military modernization also included an order for 250 M1A21 SEPv3 Abrams tanks worth $4.7 billion, with delivery scheduled between 2024 and 2026.

Poland has signed legislation authorizing the government to spend 3% of GDP on defense from 2023. Some government members have said Poland will aim for 4%. Poland has been a full member of NATO since 1999.​​​​​​​