Poland Displays State-of-the-Art Weapons and Defense Systems in Massive Military Parade
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — NATO member Poland showcased its advanced weapons and defense systems in a grand military parade on Tuesday. The parade comes at a time when Ukraine is grappling with an ongoing armed conflict, and with parliamentary elections slated to take place in two months.
President Andrzej Duda, who serves as the chief commander of the armed forces, emphasized in his opening speech that safeguarding Poland’s eastern border is a crucial aspect of the country’s state policy. He also highlighted Poland’s support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression over the past 18 months.
Duda stated, “The defense of our eastern border, the border of the European Union and of NATO is today a key element of Poland’s state interest.”
Despite scorching temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), enthusiastic crowds waving national white-and-red flags gathered to witness the impressive display. The parade showcased various cutting-edge military equipment, including U.S.-made Abrams tanks, HIMARS mobile artillery systems, and Patriot missile systems. Additionally, F-16 fighter planes, South Korean FA-50 fighters, and K9 howitzers were on full display. A U.S. Air Force F-35 also thundered across the sky, symbolizing Poland’s plans to acquire these advanced fighter jets.
The parade also incorporated Polish-made equipment, such as Krab tracked gun-howitzers and Rosomak armored transporters.
A total of 2,000 troops, 200 vehicles, and nearly 100 aircraft participated in the event. Duda revealed that Poland’s armed forces have grown to over 175,000 troops, a significant increase from 100,000 troops eight years ago.
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland’s conservative government has been focused on strengthening its armed forces. The country has invested over $16 billion in tanks, missile interceptor systems, and fighter jets, many of which were procured from the U.S. and South Korea.
Duda announced that Poland’s defense budget for this year will reach a record 137 billion zlotys ($34 billion), accounting for approximately 4% of the gross domestic product – the highest proportion among all NATO member states.
“The goal of this extensive modernization is to equip Poland’s armed forces and establish a defense system that deters any potential attacks, ensuring Polish soldiers never have to engage in combat,” Duda declared.
In response to criticism regarding Poland’s substantial loans to fund these purchases, Duda defended the decision, saying, “We cannot afford to be idle; this is why we are strengthening our armed forces here and now.”
Poland shares borders with the Russian city of Kaliningrad to the east, Lithuania (a fellow NATO member), Russia’s key ally Belarus, and Ukraine.
The military parade commemorated the anniversary of the 1920 Battle of Warsaw and took place in Poland’s capital city, which had been severely destroyed during World War II. The parade served as a testament to Poland’s modernized defense capabilities, with some newly-acquired equipment replacing Soviet- and Russian-made items that Poland had previously provided to Ukraine.
Poland’s concerted efforts to build one of Europe’s strongest armies aim to bolster deterrence against potential aggressors. Along its border with Belarus, Poland has increased its troop presence to around 10,000 soldiers and constructed a border wall to impede the arrival of migrants from that direction.
The grand display of military might also serves as a strategy by Poland’s government to garner voter support ahead of the upcoming October 15 elections. The populist ruling Law and Justice party is vying for an unprecedented third term.