Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that his government is developing a plan to provide large-scale military training for every adult male in the country, aiming to build a reserve force of up to 500,000 soldiers, including reservists. Speaking at a security address in the Sejm on Friday, Tusk emphasized the need for robust preparedness amid rising regional tensions, particularly as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. He noted that while Poland’s current active military comprises about 200,000 soldiers, recent plans to expand the force to 220,000—and eventually 300,000—fall short of the nation’s new strategic requirements.
Adopting a Swiss-Style Reserve and Exploring Nuclear Options
Tusk clarified that his government is not considering a return to universal military conscription but is instead exploring a reserve model similar to Switzerland’s system, where every adult male receives military training and women can volunteer. He also suggested that Poland should consider modernizing its defense capabilities by exploring nuclear and unconventional weapon options. This proposal comes amid discussions on the global stage, as Western allies express concern that a nuclear-armed Iran and a resurgent Russia threaten regional stability.
Opposition Voices and Constitutional Reforms
Adding fuel to the debate, opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczyński stressed that a societal shift is needed toward embracing a chivalric ethos where every man is prepared to defend his country—even at great personal risk. Meanwhile, President Andrzej Duda announced an amendment to the Polish constitution that would require the country to spend at least 4 percent of its GDP on defense annually. With Poland’s defense expenditure projected to reach 4.7 percent this year, these measures underscore the nation’s urgent commitment to bolstering its security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
