Poland details defense readiness and spending as officials report rising Russian hybrid attacks

Border incidents and hybrid operations

On 17 September 2026, marking the 87th anniversary of the 1939 Soviet invasion, Polish officials detailed rising security threats along the eastern frontier and outlined national defense readiness. Prime Minister Donald Tusk pointed to a series of recent border incidents, including Russian drone strikes near the Dorohusk crossing that damaged a filling station and hit a train on the Kyiv-Warsaw line. A separate drone strike damaged a Polish-owned factory inside Ukraine, while an armed Kh-101 missile landed in a field in the Lublin region in July. Tusk warned that Russian operations continue through sabotage, cyber incursions, and airspace violations.

Russia does not need to cross our border at all. It is already waging a hybrid war against us using drones, acts of sabotage, and disinformation on the internet.

Military doctrine and defense expenditures

Addressing the Sejm, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk outlined recent adjustments to Poland's defense doctrine. The military has assumed direct responsibility for critical infrastructure, instituted immediate engagement rules for air and naval threats, and activated pre-authorization for automated missile defense. Tomczyk noted that more than 5,000 troops remain deployed along the border with Belarus to counter provocations. Poland currently spends nearly 5% of its gross domestic product on defense, exceeding the spending ratios of Germany and France. The country has also secured €44 billion (approximately 191 billion zlotys) under the European Union SAFE defense initiative and has signed defense procurement contracts worth 428 billion zlotys since December 2024.

Regional escalations and NATO deterrence

Special Services Coordinator Tomasz Siemoniak noted that approximately 90% of international aid to Ukraine passes through Polish territory, increasing Poland's exposure to hostile operations. Beyond land borders, a Russian maritime drone was recovered off the Polish Baltic coast, and an Italian fighter jet operating under NATO command intercepted and shot down a Russian combat drone over Lithuania after it crossed from Belarusian airspace. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski argued that Western deterrence relies on demonstrating comparative defense and economic capacity. He presented comparative figures on military aviation, noting that NATO members field 4,500 fighter aircraft, compared to 1,600 across the European Union and 860 operated by Russia. In fifth-generation fighters, NATO holds 1,100 aircraft against 200 in the EU and 40 in Russia.

Economic comparison and European security

Sikorski also cited economic comparisons based on purchasing power parity, contrasting Russia's $7.5 trillion gross domestic product with the European Union's $30 trillion and NATO's combined $65 trillion. He stated that Russia has struggled in a conventional war against Ukraine, whose purchasing power economy stands at $200 billion. Following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for a European Security Council and an Article 4-style crisis consultation mechanism, Sikorski emphasized that European manufacturing must accelerate in areas such as artificial intelligence, deep strike capabilities, and drone systems. Poland is currently preparing an additional military assistance package for Ukraine.

Diplomatic alignment and future response

Sikorski responded to warnings from Russian officials, emphasizing that collective security agreements shield member states from direct conventional aggression.

We are obviously not looking for conflict with Russia; it is Russia that attacks its neighbours and threatens us.

Siemoniak reported that recent discussions with United States officials confirmed sustained operational support for Polish air and missile defenses. Polish authorities continue to expand civil defense programs while maintaining alert protocols across border infrastructure and transport links.