Europe needs to strengthen its defense strategy, especially with the future of American support in NATO becoming uncertain.
Poland has taken the proactive and confident step of dedicating 4 percent of its GDP to defense — not just a financial figure, but a statement of intent. Poland's recent moves, including a $12 billion contract to buy 96 Apache attack helicopters from the United States, as well as investments in Abrams tanks, Patriot missiles and F-35 jets, demonstrate a serious commitment to strengthening its military.
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Poland's defense strategy isn't just about increasing the size of its armed forces. Though there are plans to expand the army to 300,000 by 2035, the country is also focusing on modernizing its equipment and strengthening its overall military readiness. By acquiring advanced weaponry and building partnerships with countries like South Korea, Poland is positioning itself as a strong military force within NATO.
On a recent trip to Warsaw, I felt the impact of the war in our neighboring country keenly. The city's war memorabilia stores, filled with relics from past invasions by Germany and Russia, reflect a national consciousness deeply shaped by history. Conversations with friends and locals revealed a strong sense of unfinished business, a collective memory that drives Poland's current military posture. While it was not subtle, nor overt or aggressive, I got the distinct feeling that Poles felt a sense of closure had to be reached; just an imperceptible sense, a sense of, “we've seen this unfold before, but this time we're ready.”
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Amazingly, Poland's military currently numbers 216,100 personnel, making it the third largest military in NATO. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its armed forces, acquiring advanced systems such as the K2 tank and K9 howitzer through a partnership with South Korea. This level of commitment to defense should serve as a model for other European nations.
Despite their larger military capabilities, France and the UK are lagging behind Poland in this effort. If they followed Poland’s example and allocated 4% of their GDP to defense, they would not only be better able to defend their interests, but also less dependent on US support. France, with its nuclear weapons and global military power, is particularly well placed to take the lead. Similarly, the UK, especially in the post-Brexit era, has a unique opportunity to redefine its role on the world stage. Strengthening its military through increased defense spending would strengthen the UK’s position in global security. I, like many other observant Britons, am waiting with bated breath for the outcome of Starmer’s “overhaul of the UK Armed Forces”.
Other European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, also need to make an effort. Economically powerful Germany has been rightly criticized for not meeting NATO spending targets. By dedicating more resources to defense, Germany could address this criticism and significantly strengthen NATO's overall strength.
This is not just about military budgets. It is about ensuring Europe can defend itself in an increasingly unpredictable world. The war in Ukraine has shown the importance of being prepared for sudden threats. Europe can no longer afford to be too dependent on external support.
As traditional alliances face new challenges and global threats continue to grow, Europe must be prepared to defend itself. Poland's actions have set a new standard for others to follow. France, the UK and other European countries must recognize the importance of a strong defense and act accordingly. Investing in defense is not a choice, it is a necessity.
The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Kyiv Post.
