Poland Defence and Security Report Q1 2013

BMI's Poland Defence & Security Report for Q113 examines the country's strategic position in Europeand the wider world. It provides an overview of the contemporary geopolitical challenges facing thecountry, and the trials it may face in the future. In addition, the report examines the trends witnessed inthe country's current and future defence procurement, and considers the order of battle across its armedforces. The intention is to provide a clear and concise discussion of these issues. The report's generalconclusion is that while some restraints may exist vis-à-vis Polish defence procurement, broadly speakingthe country expects to continue the trend of defence modernisation it commenced at the end of the ColdWar, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

In the two decades since the end of the Cold War, seeing the collapse of both the Warsaw Pact and theSoviet Union, the country has taken an increasingly active position in international military affairs. AsPoland plans to withdraw its combat troops from Afghanistan in the 2014/15 timeframe, in line withNATO's overall goals of ending its military presence there, the country is now contemplating its militaryposture and doctrine beyond current operations. It seems probable that Poland expects to play an activerole in future international military operations at the UN, EU and NATO level. This is particularly true interms of Special Forces provision which is one of the country's core competencies.

Over the last quarter BMI has provided the following updates:

A detailed outline of the country's process of defence decision making, and its military andcivilian chains of command.

A full breakdown of the orders of battle of the Polish army, air force and navy, alongside adiscussion of major procurement programmes ongoing in all three services.

A description of procurement activity performed in Q113, notably across the Polish army and airforce.

Updated information regarding Poland's defence budget for 2012.