Defence Policy
Unprecedented Defence Spending: Polish Government Approves 2025 Budget
Photo. 18th Mechanized Division/X
The Polish government has approved the 2025 budget, which includes a record-breaking level of defence spending. According to Deputy Minister of Defence, Stanisław Wziątek, 4.7% of Poland’s GDP — approximately 187 billion złoty — will be allocated to defence in 2025. This is the highest amount Poland has ever invested in its military forces. The total includes funds from the Armed Forces Support Fund (FWSZ).
Defence spending has steadily increased in recent years. The 2024 budget allocated over 118 billion złoty from the state budget, with total defence expenditures reaching nearly 159 billion złoty, accounting for 4.2% of GDP. This upward trend has been particularly noticeable since 2022, driven by geopolitical tensions and the full-scale war in Ukraine, prompting Poland to boost its defence investments.
“However, it's important to note that the nearly 190 billion złoty figure likely combines standard budgetary defence spending with expenditures from the Armed Forces Support Fund. The latter carries greater risks regarding actual disbursement compared to standard budget expenditures. For instance, in 2023, the Ministry of Defence's budget of 97 billion złoty was almost fully utilized, but many projects planned under the Armed Forces Support Fund could not be completed. The 2024 budget for the Ministry of Defence was set at 118 billion złoty, with total defence spending projected at 158 billion złoty. Projects funded by the Armed Forces Support Fund include the purchase of Apache Guardian helicopters and contracts with South Korea. The Apache was recently succesfully completed, but second phase of contracts Republic of Korea depends on additional financing.
Comment by Jakub Palowski, Deputy Editor in Chief, Defence24.pl
PM Tusk's declarations may translate into greater determination in financing defence requirements. On the other hand, the Ministry of Finances has criticized the Armed Forces Support Fund within the framework of the Public Finances White Paper.
Comment by Jakub Palowski, Deputy Editor in Chief, Defence24.pl
The government’s emphasis on increasing defence spending has significant implications for public finances. The rise in expenditure levels is tied to growing public debt, which partly finances the Armed Forces Support Fund. Analysts predict that public debt will continue to increase in the coming years, potentially impacting the country’s financial stability. However, national security is a cornerstone of sovereignty. With Poland’s proximity to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the increase in defence spending should be viewed as an investment in the future. A strong and modern military serves as a deterrent, potentially preventing escalation and reducing external threats. History shows that nations that neglected their defence often became victims of aggression. It’s reassuring to see Poland learning from history.
Defence24.pl has contacted the Ministry of Finance for a comment on using the Armed Forces Support Fund to finance agreements with South Korea. Once received, the response will be published.