Poland to raise defence spending to 4.8% of GDP in 2026

Poland intends to further increase its defence spending this year amid growing concerns over Russia, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said in a policy address to parliament on Thursday.

Defence expenditure is set to reach 4.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026, with more than half of the planned €46.6 billion ($55 billion) earmarked for new equipment purchases.

Poland must build an armed force capable of permanently deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin, Sikorski said.

The EU and NATO member had allocated 4.7% of its economic output to defence in 2025, placing it among the alliance’s highest spenders.

In June, NATO agreed that member states should invest at least 3.5% of GDP in core defence spending, with a further 1.5% earmarked for defence-related areas such as infrastructure.

The aim is to raise total annual spending on defence and security to 5% of GDP by 2035 – levels not seen since the Cold War.

By comparison, Poland neighbour Germany plans to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029.