The function of Poland in NATO – 25 years

ine.org.pl 11 months ago

Zdjęcie: Chińska polityka energetyczna (28)

It is simply a large day for Poland as well as for millions of Poles scattered across all continents. Poland returns to the free planet forever where it belongs.

Bronisław Geremek, then Polish Minister for abroad Affairs

1. 1999: Historical breakthrough – Poland in NATO

March 12, 1999, Poland, together with the Czechs and Hungary, joins the North Atlantic Alliance after many years of diplomatic activity, becoming another component of collective defence. This was the first accession of the erstwhile Warsaw Pact to NATO. The end of the Cold War, the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the collapse of the communist strategy in east Europe, the first democratic elections including the search for fresh allies and the concern for safety were the background in which our country sought its presence in NATO.

1.1 Poland in NATO: first years

On 12 March 2024 we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Poland's presence in NATO. After systemic changes in the russian bloc states in the late 1980s and 1990s and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, The Polish army had a 400-thousandth army in usage (peaceful status). At the time of its accession to NATO, it already had a 240 1000 army[1]. Let us examine the changes that have taken place in Europe after the dissolution of the russian Union and the proclamation of fresh independent states. economical problems and changes in priorities led to effective structural reductions in the first years after regaining sovereignty[2The Polish Army. The equipment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland in 1999 included, among others, 3 flotillas, 1675 tanks, 1367 combat infantry cars, 35 armored transporters, 510 armored reconnaissance cars, 652 self-propelled, 182 fighter aircraft, 99 fighter-bomb aircraft, 38 assault helicopters, 1 rocket destroyer, 1 frigate and 3 submarines[3]. It should be mentioned that Poland has for a decade been sentenced to self-defense of its territory, against possible Russian army attack, which despite a deep collapse[4It was inactive bigger and stronger.

2. Transformation and modernization of Polish Armed Forces

2.1 On the wave of the first reforms of SZ RP

Since the ratification of Poland's accession to NATO, it has been 25 years, which has shown the crucial importance of this decision for the military defence and safety of Central and east Europe. Undoubtedly, joining NATO started fast changes and reorganisation of the Polish SZ. Quoting the words of Gen. weapon Janusz Adamczak:

“When we joined the Alliance, we were a small Cinderella: a young ally, not rather certain of our worth. We were curious in safety guarantees, not to build an alliance and talk about the directions of its development.It’s okay. ”

Before Poland and another countries of the erstwhile Warsaw Pact, a long road for modernization of the Armed Forces began, in accordance with NATO requirements. Organisational, financial and interoperable changes were crucial[5]. They active the introduction of complete civilian control over the army, the warrant of defence funding, to the degree that the obligations resulting from the Alliance's membership could be met, and the modernisation of the army so that it could be interoperable with others. Alliance armies. The changing plans to modernise the Polish Armed Forces, the deficiency of adequate resources to finance defences resulted in problems on the way to achieving the accession goals set by NATO. It was only ‘The SZRP method Reconstruction and Modernisation Programme 2001-2006’ that enabled the majority of commitments to be effectively met in the first decade of the 21st. Moreover, the active participation of Polish military contingents in military operations in Kosovo, Iraq or Afghanistan, among others, enabled us to increase interoperability with another NATO forces. The participation of Polish soldiers in missions helped us to increase Polish prestige on the global arena of the Atlantic Alliance. These were the beginnings of our way to transformation. Composed of many reforms, unfortunately frequently populist slogans and changing promises, the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces continues to this day.

2.2 Number and possible of the Polish Armed Forces

The list of changes is long.It is hard to give precise figures. Therefore, in order to estimation the current state and possible of the Polish Force, we will usage 3 categories. 1) Number of professional soldiers, 2) kind of military equipment held and 3) orders placed. According to the records of the Polish Army, at the end of December 2022 118,000 professional soldiers were on duty[6]. For comparison, it is possible to indicate the number of professional soldiers for 2012, which was little than 95 thousand. Despite the crucial differences in the number of soldiers, compared to the state of 1989, it is clear that, despite the smaller numbers, we have more potential. The mobilization process of the Polish Armed Forces accelerated events of the past 3 years. This was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in military units being active to control it. In 2021, there were hybrid attacks on the east border of Poland. The government of Alexander Lukashenko organized the transport of immigrants from the mediate East and Africa, directing them straight to the border line, which is inactive happening. Another 3rd origin that influenced the many and qualitative modernization of the Polish SZ was the full-scale attack of Russia on Ukraine in February 2022. In consequence to these challenges, the authorities of our country began implementing plans for the massive expansion of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. Still, it's hard to tell precisely what these plans look like. According to the information available, by 2035 there are to be 250,000 soldiers under arms all day, and an additional 50,000 are to be ready to immediately appear in the Territorial defence Army units. In total, it will be 300,000 soldiers[7]. specified a massive modernisation requires a large amount of backing and training. As stated in Technical Modernisation Plan 2021-2035 a cost of PLN 524 billion was planned for fresh weapons and equipment for soldiers[8]. According to the Stockholm Institute for Peace Research, Poland recorded the fastest yearly increase in expenditure across Europe. We are ranked first among NATO countries, surpassing the United States, Germany or France – spending almost 4% of GDP on defence. All of this has a crucial impact on the increasing function of Poland and its prestige. The increase in military capacity correlates with the emergence in global position.

2.3 method position of the Armed Forces of Poland

The essential component of this force is the equipment, so it is worth mentioning what is presently in the equipment of the Armed Forces of Poland and about planned purchases and complex orders. In an effort to estimation the amount of weapons held by the Polish Army, account should be taken of the fact that any of it was transferred to Ukraine. Unlike another NATO states, supporting our east neighbor, Poland shall not inform the exact number of copies of the kind of arms transferred. Hence, we must build on the individual information provided through the media or press conferences. There is besides the question of the data available. The last publicized information by Poland on basic military equipment is from December 2021. The Polish Army in the state has 247 Leopard 2 tanks in versions 2A4, 2PL, 2A5, about 172 PT-91 and 111 T-72 tanks in versions M1 and M1R (these numbers already include equipment donated to Ukraine)[9♪[10]. But that is not all. The Land Army besides serves 46 tanks of Korean production K2 Black Panther, as well as 69 productions of American tanks M1A1FEP Abrams[11]. In the presented data, we can see any multitude of military equipment, which is due to the transitional period of the Polish Armed Forces and the withdrawal of the oldest machines (tanks T-72M1 and PT-91)[12]. The equipment of the Land Army on tanks does not end. The quantity does not always mean quality, so it should be remembered that Abrams or K1 tanks have more combat power than T-72 and PT-91 hard tanks. We should besides mention the armored transporters of Rosomak, which we had 349 for the year 2022 (part of which was transferred as part of the aid to the east with, among others, the celebrated self-propelled mortars of Cancer, which the United States Armed Forces are curious in buying). In the case of artillery, according to the condition of early 2022 we had 72 self-propelled 155 mm crab cannons (of which 54 were sent to Ukraine) as well as 75 self-propelled 120 mm cancer mortars[13]. The Air Force serves, among others, 50 F-16 multitasking aircraft as well as MiG-29 or Su-22 kind machines. The Navy has remained unchanged since 2022. Hence, the production of swordfish frigates is promising. We can see an improvement in the situation in the Armoured and Mechanized Forces. A key function is besides played by complex orders, according to which 38 K2 Black Panthers and 47 M1A1FEP Abrams are to be delivered by the end of 2024. The year 2025 should bring us further supplies of K2 tanks as well as the first M1A2SEPv3 Abrams machines[14]. The transportation of complex orders will increase the number of 3rd generation tanks. besides promising are plans to participate in the European Air Shield initiative, which will complement Polish plans.

2.4 The east Tartar Programme

It is impossible to stay indifferent to the late published strategical plan for our country to build the “Hard East” as part of the national deterrence and defence program. This task is the largest plan to strengthen NATO's east flank since 1945.

“The Tarcza East programme will cover a section of the border almost 700 km, of which between 400-500 km will concern the improvement of various types of fortification infrastructure of varying degrees. The main reason why we are implementing this programme and consequently the military operation is to increase the resilience of the state and to deter and prepare for the defence of the border area. I realize this aspect not only in the context of a conflict of advanced strength and symmetrical nature, but besides of an asymmetrical and hybrid conflict."

Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Academy of Sciences General Wiesław Kukuła

However, these are just plans that we will not fight in the face of danger. Hence, 1 can ask a question about the real increase in potential, which consists of much more than the number of transactions carried out, soldiers or equipment on equipment. It should be remembered that there are besides factors specified as ammunition, fuel, food or medical supplies.[15].

3. Poland as a safety pillar

3.1 From Cinderella to Regional Power

After 25 years of presence in the Alliance, Poland is 1 of its pillars in the region[16]. There is no uncertainty that in the face of the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation to Ukraine, Poland plays a key function in ensuring the safety of the east flank of NATO. By joining the Alliance, we focused mainly on obtaining safety guarantees, especially from the United States and NATO. Today, as a regional power, we have besides become its guarantor. This must origin any change of thought among our citizens, Poland is no longer “a Cinderella” but a key country of the east flank, resulting in greater work of our country for maintaining safety in the region of Central and east Europe. Since the first days in the North Atlantic Treaty, our country has been actively active in the fast consequence Force missions. We play an crucial function in ensuring the safety of the Baltic Sea region. This is, among others, the Polish Military Quota of the ORLIS as part of NATO operations Baltic Air Police, conducted continuously since 2004, protects the airspace of the Baltic States – Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Since 2008, the increasing aggressive attitude of the Russian Federation towards neighbouring states has raised legitimate concerns among the authorities in Warsaw. In response, Poland, together with any NATO countries, began to advance a skeptical approach to Russia among members of the Alliance.

“And we besides know that present Georgia, next day Ukraine, the day after next day Baltic States, and later possibly it is time for my country, for Poland!“

President Lech Kaczyński in Tbilisi, August 12, 2008

However, Polish concerns were not understood among the another members of the Organization, which indirectly contributed to the invasion and unlawful annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in March 2014. These events forced NATO to pay peculiar attention to the protection of the east flank, taking into account the function of Poland. However, it was not until a full-scale aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 that showed how much threat the Russian Federation posed to the safety of the western system. From the first days of the war, Poland began to play a key function in ensuring the stableness of the east border of NATO and the European Union. Our country has become a transmission hub for Western support. A clear and critical attitude towards Moscow's actions, Poland's attitude has shown how crucial we are in the global safety system. In view of the fresh draft of defence plans (first since the Cold War) by the Atlantic Alliance in the event of a conflict with Russia, we can speculate on the function of Poland, especially with respect to the alleged land corridors through which US forces are to be transported to the front line from ports. The end of the war beyond the east border will mean a change in the global order in which our country will play the central component of common security. This outlines fresh perspectives for us, including economical improvement and expanding our position among another countries. Currently, while playing an crucial function in providing assistance to Ukraine, Poland emerges as a key intermediary between East and West. Nevertheless, we must not forget the risks associated with Russia's aggression. Constant concerns about moving the front line west, the threats of attacks on the Baltic States and possible global conflict, including China's increasing dominance, stay crucial geopolitical factors. These threats should not be underestimated and should be the main determinants of our safety policy.

3.2 Regional cooperation: Bucharest 9 (B9)

Regarding the defence of the east flank of NATO, we should mention the format of the Bucharest Nine, initiated by the Presidents of Poland and Romania, which is the association of 9 countries in the region of Central and east Europe – Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Poland. During the last B9 summit held in Warsaw in February 2023 with the participation of US president Joe Biden and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, associate States discussed, among others, the strengthening of NATO's east flank and further support for Ukraine[17]. B9 clearly shows the common goal of ensuring safety and further cooperation between the Western countries. Faced with the war in Ukraine, the Bucharest 9 redefines its identity, and B9 states face fresh challenges that will test the concept of common strength and cooperation.

3.3 Security, strategical partnership and cooperation with the US

Poland in NATO is not only a warrant of safety for others, but besides for us. The presence of the Alliance's troops in the territory of our country, participation in cyclical military exercises (e.g. Steadfast Defender 2024, Dragon 24 or late launched Baltops 2024), but besides the increasing cooperation of Poland with the United States, including the permanent presence of US troops in the territory of Poland. Poland, which was frequently emphasized in many statements by leading officials, is crucial for the US for many reasons. expanding cooperation in both economical and military terms between our countries makes Poland's position in the region systematically strengthened. During the debate “Polish-American economical cooperation” within the 15th European economical Congress, discussion moderator Tomasz Smura pointed out that “Our country is turning into a hub of American military and political presence in Central and east Europe, where the interests of the US, Russia, China and Germany meet[18].’ The United States see the strategical value of Poland as a key partner in the region, which is reflected in the increasing American investments in the Polish economy. This is due, among another things, to the fact that Poland's engagement is essential for the effective provision of assistance to Ukraine by Western countries. The key sectors in common cooperation are aviation, defence, energy and cybersecurity, which seems to be a precedence area. common cooperation with Americans, including the permanent presence of US troops, increases the importance of Poland's role, and is simply a concrete origin in the doctrine of deterrence. Our country is gaining importance as a strategical partner, which brings tangible benefits to our safety and global position.

Summary

Looking from the position of the past 25 years, the decision to join Poland in the North Atlantic Treaty has proved to be 1 of the top successes in the past of our country. The modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces, increased interoperability with NATO forces within the framework of peace missions, increased global importance, geopolitical change in the planet and the expanding importance of security, especially in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, underline the relevance of this decision. Poland at the time of its accession to NATO in 1999 and Poland present are 2 completely different worlds with different perspectives for regional improvement and cooperation. This shows what a strategy is and what long-term benefits it can bring. Joining the North Atlantic Alliance was an investment in the future, which after a 4th of a century begins to turn. However, it is not the end – the coming years and the shuffling internationally will show the actual function of the Alliance and collective defence, beginning up fresh challenges and opportunities for us.

Further strengthening our country's position among the Alliance's associate States, and actively participating in safety projects both regional and global, will be crucial for our development. The possible participation of Polish companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine can be an impulse for our economy, creating fresh jobs and strengthening our common relations. However, it will be crucial to make effective usage of these opportunities through appropriate planning and global cooperation. Poland's integration with NATO was a strategical step towards ensuring the safety and stableness of our country and the full region.

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