Poland Leads NATO: Nearly 5% of GDP on Defense in 2026
Poland has become NATO's largest defense investor in terms of GDP share. The military budget for 2026 is projected to exceed 200 billion zlotys, representing nearly 5% of the country's gross domestic product. This record-breaking military buildup is partly financed by a massive EU loan under the SAFE program.
Record Budget, Historic Position
Poland has officially become the leading NATO member in terms of defense spending as a percentage of gross domestic product. The military budget for 2026 is projected to exceed 200 billion zlotys, equivalent to nearly 4.8–5% of GDP – more than any other ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, including the United States. The Polish Press Agency confirmed this position based on the latest NATO report, and similar data is published by the Dziennik Zbrojny portal.
The growth is impressive within just a few years. In 2024, Poland spent approximately 135 billion zlotys on defense – slightly below 4% of GDP. In 2025, spending increased to around 4.7% of GDP (approximately 190 billion zlotys), and 2026 is expected to bring another jump. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has repeatedly stated that Poland does not intend to slow down this trend.
Geopolitical Context: Ukraine and the Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
This dynamic military buildup is a response to a dramatically changed security environment. The ongoing war in Ukraine remains the main driver of increased spending, but in 2026, a new factor has been added to strategic calculations: the conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in this critical route – through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes – have highlighted the fragility of global energy supply chains and strengthened the European conviction of the need for further armament.
Poland, while refusing direct participation in military operations in the Persian Gulf region, has accelerated the purchase of air defense systems, artillery, and drones, which can be used both on NATO's eastern flank and in other threat scenarios.
SAFE Program: EU Financial Leverage
A key element in financing Poland's military buildup is the EU's SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument – a fund worth 150 billion euros, from which member states can obtain preferential loans for the purchase of military equipment. Poland will receive the largest allocation of all EU countries: 43.7 billion euros (over 51 billion dollars), according to a decision approved by the European Commission and described by Notes from Poland.
The loan is financially attractive: the interest rate is set at 3.17%, the repayment period is 45 years with a 10-year grace period. Finance Minister Andrzej Domański emphasized that Poland will save between 36 and even 60 billion zlotys thanks to this mechanism compared to independently incurring debt on the markets. The first funds – approximately 6.5 billion euros in the form of an advance – are expected to reach Poland as early as 2026.
Poland belongs to the second wave of countries using SAFE. The funds are to be spent by 2030, divided into: artillery (28% of the pool), air and missile defense systems along with drones and anti-drone measures (approx. 27%), as well as cybersecurity and other priorities.
Experts' Warnings: Need for a Balancing Strategy
Analysts at the Atlantic Council warn that such intensive defense spending is sustainable only if structural reforms are carried out and economic growth is maintained. The Polish Fiscal Council pointed out that some of the obligations related to SAFE remain outside standard budgetary control, which requires transparent oversight mechanisms.
A political milestone was the parliamentary ratification of the SAFE agreement at the end of February 2026 – although President Karol Nawrocki has not yet signed the relevant law. The dispute between the president and the government may delay the launch of the first tranches.
Eastern Pillar of NATO
Poland is consistently building its position as the eastern pillar of the Alliance. The presence of allied troops on the country's territory, growing own capabilities, and record budgets mean that Warsaw is becoming one of the key players shaping the European security architecture – not only as a recipient of guarantees, but as an active contribution to common defense.
