Poland has developed an Armed Forces Development Programme for 2025–2039, taking into account the experience of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Polish military leadership believes that the new priorities of the armed forces provide an opportunity to create a modern army adapted to current threats. One of these directions, according to Warsaw, is the development of capabilities to break through enemy air defense systems – a "deep, precise strike" aimed at weakening the enemy’s potential and strategic systems. This approach aligns with the concept of "deterrence through punishment" ("odstraszania przez karę").
The Armed Forces Development Programme includes seven priorities:
- Synergy of quantity and quality. As the army grows in numbers, improving its quality and effectiveness remains crucial.
- Multi-domain operations. Future wars must be conducted in physical, informational, and cognitive spaces.
- Air dominance. The ability to carry out deep, precise strikes will be a key element of deterrence.
- Modernization of air and missile defense. Countering UAVs and other aerial threats will protect critical infrastructure and civilians.
- Creating a next-generation personnel reserve. Improving training systems while addressing demographic challenges will ensure the army’s future readiness.
- Drone warfare and robotics. Automating the armed forces will reduce logistical costs and personnel losses.
- Artificial intelligence implementation. Advanced methods will accelerate data analysis, enable real-time decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency.
Chief of the Polish General Staff W. Kukula stated that with the new Armed Forces Development Programme, Poland can fully move away from the outdated structures associated with counterterrorism and asymmetric warfare. The key functions of the new Polish military programme should be "Force Provider" and "Force User."
