This increase is part of Poland's strategic goal to expand its military to 300,000 members by 2035 in response to Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
The specialist military news portal defence24.pl has reported that Poland's armed forces are currently made up of approximately 139,500 professional soldiers, over 4,800 professional soldiers in training, more than 2,500 volunteers in the Voluntary Basic Military Service (DZSW) still in training, nearly 17,500 volunteers actively serving in DZSW, and over 35,000 in the Territorial Defense Forces (TSW).
The growth in personnel numbers benefits from a revised counting methodology adopted a few years ago, which now includes military academy students. First-year students are counted as soldiers in training under DZSW, and starting their second year, they are considered professional soldiers in training.
Since the suspension of mandatory conscription on January 1, 2010, the size of Poland's professional military has gradually increased.
From just 95,439 at the end of 2010, the number slowly rose, surpassing 100,000 in 2017. By the end of 2021, the professional soldier count had reached 113,586, accelerating to 134,362 by the end of 2023, thanks in part to the inclusion of military academy cadets under the 2022 Homeland Defense Act.
Military expansion drive
Under the current administration, Poland aims to continue the plans to bolster the military. By 2035, the projected force is expected to consist of over 187,000 professional soldiers, nearly 10,000 in professional training, 3,500 in training under DZSW, and 50,000 each in active DZSW and TSW roles.
The Polish armed forces have seen a significant uptick in sign-ups, fulfilling this year's recruitment plans by July, defence24.pl has reported.
Despite the optimistic expansion targets, there are practical considerations concerning the financial sustainability of this growth. The increasing demands for equipment modernization and maintenance, and associated personnel costs, present ongoing fiscal challenges.
The Polish defense ministry says it is making efforts to manage these expenses thoughtfully, using resources such as the Armed Forces Support Fund and planning for the future financial implications of a larger military.
Poland spends 4.12 percent of its GDP on defense, leading the way among NATO allies, according to a report last month.
(rt/gs)
Source: defence24.pl