Poland boosts defense amid Russian drone incursions
Poland says it is ready for conflict if needed, citing a Russian drone airspace violation of roughly 20 UAVs last month that triggered the first confrontation between NATO jets and Russian drones over alliance territory. Warsaw has lifted defense spending to 4.7% of GDP in 2025 (planning 4.8% in 2026), grown its forces to about 210,000—now the third largest in NATO—and bought about $50 billion in U.S. weapons in 2023–2024, drawing public backing from President Trump and praise from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned, “This is our war,” as Polish leaders argue Russia is testing NATO while Moscow publicly downplays escalation.
International
Military
📌 Key Facts
- About 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace last month, prompting the first NATO jets-vs.-drones confrontation over alliance territory
- Poland’s defense outlays are 4.7% of GDP this year (highest in NATO) with a planned rise to 4.8% next year
- Poland purchased approximately $50 billion in U.S. weapons across 2023–2024 and has ~210,000 military personnel (third largest in NATO)
📚 Contextual Background
- Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 (commonly dated 2022-02-24).