Gazeta Polska “Codziennie” (GPC) has obtained a document that clearly states that due to a lack of funding, Polish F-16 fighter jets will not be serviced in 2025. “Due to an insufficient amount of financial resources,” the military is foregoing the application of a coating that makes the aircraft less detectable by enemy radar.
Politicians Call It a Scandal
The issue of insufficient funds for investment in Polish security has been widely discussed in the media. The topic was also addressed by guests on TV Republika in a program hosted by Adrian Klarenbach.
The first to speak was Wojciech Skurkiewicz. The former deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense (MON) described the situation as a scandal. “We are talking today about creating a great army, yet there are no financial resources for a fairly simple procedure, and this is not a matter of billions of zlotys,” he stated.
Marcelina Zawisza, a Member of Parliament from the Razem party, also commented on the matter. She pointed out that Poland spends “enormous amounts from its GDP on armament” and reminded the audience of parliamentary votes concerning the increase of the defence budget.
New Left Senator Awaits an Official Statement
The senator from the New Left party was caught off guard by the topic from the start of the program. In the first minutes, Marcin Karpiński could be seen searching for and reading the report from Gazeta Polska “Codziennie.”
When it was his turn to comment on the matter, he responded, “It is difficult to comment because there is no official statement from the ministry.” He added, “I do not know the details, so I will not comment,” and stated, “We will wait for the position of the other side.” When pressed by the host on whom he meant, he clarified that he was referring to the government’s stance.
Adrian Klarenbach pointed out that Karpiński himself was representing the government’s side. Following this remark, a heated exchange of words erupted during the program. Karpiński accused the host of failing to inform him in advance about the topics that would be discussed.
When asked about Prime Minister Tusk’s statement before his departure for the summit in London, Karpiński retorted, “And what exactly is the issue here?” After this remark, he persistently repeated that he was waiting for the government’s response to the media reports. He went on to accuse the host of “traditionally spinning conspiracy theories,” which he found difficult to address.
Later today, TV Republika is set to present the military document on which Gazeta Polska “Codziennie” based its report.