Riho Terras, a former commander of the Estonian army and current Member of the European Parliament, has advocated for major European countries to follow Poland’s lead in ramping up their defense investments. “If everything that is planned there today is fulfilled, then the Polish army will be bigger than the German, French, UK and Italian armies combined,” Terras highlighted.
The MEP pointed out that in recent years, Polish governments have diligently worked to significantly enhance the country’s defense capabilities. As a result, defense spending has nearly doubled to 3.8% of GDP, amounting to approximately 30 billion euros annually.
“They’re doing coastal defense, they’re doing very strong air defense, they’re getting drones based on the experience of the war in Ukraine, they’re really developing a full defense capability in all directions, preparing to defend themselves,” Terras remarked.
“These numbers are quite impressive for us, of course – up to six divisions, over 1,600 tanks, 200 HIMARS, and just as many more from South Korea with similar systems. So Poland will certainly change and is already one of the strongest military powers in NATO,” he said. “If everything that is planned there today is fulfilled, then the Polish army will be bigger than the German, French, UK and Italian armies combined,” added the former commander of the Estonian Defence Forces.
“Poland is certainly one of NATO’s security guarantees, especially when we repeatedly hear signals from the United States that Americans are not too keen to engage. No one can blame Poland for not investing in national defense,” the politician stated, referring to recent comments by Donald Trump questioning the commitment to defend certain allies.
The retired general also commended Warsaw for its procurement strategy, which involves sourcing from various countries around the world.
“If they can’t get something from the USA, they order it from South Korea, creating competition. The Americans will try harder to sell more to the Poles,” he observed.