In a bold declaration, Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak announced plans to develop the strongest ground troops in Europe within the next two years. Speaking at the XVIII Congress of ‘Gazeta Polska’ Clubs, Błaszczak outlined the strategy, which includes the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the reinforcement of existing armoured units.
One of the key components of this ambitious plan is the introduction of Abrams tanks, which are set to play a crucial role in safeguarding Poland’s eastern borders. Fourteen Abrams tanks were recently unloaded at the port of Szczecin, marking the first step in the process of rearming Polish companies. These tanks will be assigned to the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade, enhancing the capabilities of the 18th Mechanized Division.
Equipped with a powerful 120mm cannon, the Abrams tanks will bridge the gap left by the transfer of armoured equipment to Ukraine. Minister Błaszczak authorized the purchase of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks and associated equipment earlier this year, further strengthening Poland’s defensive capabilities. These tanks are the first batch of Abrams ordered by Poland, following a previous acquisition of 250 tanks of the latest version.
Minister Błaszczak Underscores Strategic Significance of Abrams Tanks and Apache Helicopters in Safeguarding the ‘Brest Gate’
During the XVIII Congress of ‘Gazeta Polska’ Clubs, Błaszczak emphasized the strategic significance of the Abrams tanks, stating that they would serve as a formidable barrier, known as the ‘Brest Gate,’ preventing potential aggressors from entering Poland from the east.
The Brest Gate, spanning approximately 80 kilometres, refers to the strategic strip of land located between the rivers Narew and Bug, spanning across Poland and Belarus. In contemporary discussions, the Brest Gate often encompasses the region extending from Brest to Warsaw, as interpreted by various commentators and publicists.
He further emphasized the importance of enhancing this barrier by incorporating Apache attack helicopters into the defensive network. These helicopters will be initially provided by the US Army for training purposes, followed by the delivery of helicopters specifically ordered by Poland.
“At the beginning of May at the Pentagon, I spoke with my US counterpart Lloyd Austin and we reached an agreement on the provision of Apache attack helicopters. In the first stage of our cooperation, these will be helicopters already in use by the US Army, which will allow for the training of Polish crews, and then the helicopters ordered by Poland will be delivered to the Polish Army,”
Błaszczak added.
Strengthening Defense in Northeastern Poland: Polish Army Introduces Korean K2 Tanks and ‘Borsuk’ Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Additionally, Błaszczak unveiled plans to strengthen the defence of northeastern Poland with the introduction of Korean K2 tanks. Two companies of K2 tanks have already been delivered to the 20th Mechanized Brigade, which is part of the 16th Mechanized Division responsible for the security of this region. The K2 tanks, designed by Koreans, are known for their manoeuvrability and adaptability to various terrains. Equipped with hydropneumatic suspension, these tanks are optimized for effective firing positions, making them suitable for the challenging geography of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.
In tandem with tank modernization, the Polish Army is focusing on infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Minister Błaszczak proudly introduced the ‘Borsuk,’ a Polish-designed combat vehicle produced by Huta Stalowa Wola, a division of PGZ. The Borsuk IFVs are expected to be available this year, with a contract signed for the delivery of 1,000 units to the Polish Army. These vehicles have already garnered praise from the United States, with American forces expressing admiration during exercises at the Orzysz training ground.
Grand Parade in Warsaw Demonstrates Commitment to Strengthen Defense Capabilities
To showcase Poland’s growing military might, Minister Błaszczak invited the public to a grand parade scheduled for August 15 in Warsaw. The event will feature displays of Abrams and K2 tanks, along with other advanced equipment such as Badgers and FA-50 aircraft, providing an opportunity to witness Poland’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities.
Minister Błaszczak’s ambitious plans reflect Poland’s determination to deter potential aggressors and protect its sovereignty. With significant investments in advanced equipment and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, Poland aims to fortify its ground forces, positioning itself as a formidable stronghold in Europe.