Germany and Poland's Competing Military Ambitions Creates Tension
By Rhod Mackenzie
It appears that military build ups are all in vogue across Europe allegedly to combat the imaginary threat they allege is going to come from Russia. Now it seems that the Poles and the Germans are now at the forefront of his militarisation that is taking place
Now Poland has declared its ambition to create the most powerful army in Europe. However, Warsaw faces a serious competitor in realizing these plans: Germany, whose Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has stated he intends to transform Germany into the EU's military leader. Obviously he is looking to emulate his Nazi Grandfather fron the defeated German Army in 1945.
Analysts have noted that such aspirations by both countries could potentially compromise the already fragile balance in the Old World.
In this video I am going to discuss what the implications of this militarisation aren practice?
Poland is planning to establish the largest military force in Europe
Poland has introduced a "voluntary basic military service"
Poland wants to host US Nuclear weapons and troops
Germany and Poland wants to be seen as "Europe's main army."
Poland placed orders for military equipment from the United States
"The level of militarisation in Poland is extremely high.
Warsaw is beginning to rival Berlin in terms of militarisation.
so stay with me as I talk you through what is currently going on in the militarisation of Europe
The announcement is that Poland is planning to establish the largest military force in Europe. Moreover, Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that the country's Armed Forces will not just be the largest but also be among the "best-equipped" contingents in NATO. It was also noted that Warsaw is the third largest contributor of troops to the alliance, after Washington and Ankara.
President Karol Nawrocki articulated a similar perspective in early August. He stated that he would endeavour to modernise the armed forces. Izvestia quoted him as saying that he would do everything in his power to create a Polish army of at least 300,000 personnel in the coming years, which he claimed would become the strongest in Europe.
It is important to note that Warsaw embarked on its course of militarisation several years ago. In 2023, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of the Law and Justice party, stated that the total number of soldiers in the country could reach 400,000. At that time, the number of soldiers serving in the Polish military was only 150,000.
Poland has introduced a "voluntary basic military service"
Furthermore, the country introduced a "voluntary basic military service". The programme consists of a 28-day training course, followed by 11 months of specialised training. Upon completion of the program, the "volunteer" officially becomes a "reservist." In this context, rumours of a regular conscription began to circulate in the country.
Concurrently, the army's technical equipment was being upgraded to align with modern standards. In the summer of 2023, the United States approved the sale of an integrated air defence and missile defence combat management system to Poland. This included 48 Patriot air defence missile launchers and 644 missiles for them, as well as auxiliary equipment and spare parts. Concurrently, the Polish armed forces initiated a substantial modernisation programme for their ground forces.
Poland wants to host US Nuclear weapons and troops
The pinnacle of Poland's aspirations was the declaration by former President Andrzej Duda of the nation's preparedness to accommodate US nuclear armaments on its soil. However, the process of emergency militarisation has not always been without incident. For instance, in March 2024, a number of soldiers lost their lives during a training exercise in the country.
Germany and Poland wants to be seen as "Europe's main army."
However, it should be noted that Poland is not the only country that perceives itself as "Europe's main army."
In May 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Germany was striving to create the most powerful armed forces in the Old World. RIA Novosti quoted him as saying that in the future the government would provide all financial resources. According to the head of government, "friends and partners" expect and even "demand" this from Berlin.
However, Merz has no intention of deviating from his intended course. Germany's military is undergoing a significant reconstruction at an unprecedented level of investment, despite successive German governments allowing the armed forces to deteriorate following the conclusion of the Cold War. The Chancellor's primary objective is to "restore Germany's leadership on the continent and around the world."
"The level of militarisation in Poland is extremely high.
"Local politicians are announcing plans to increase the national army to almost half a million men, which is more than double the current size. Furthermore, Warsaw is investing significant resources in military modernisation," observed military expert Yuri Knutov.
He recalled that the republic's government had previously signed a contract with Seoul to purchase South Korean tanks, which are superior in several respects to the American Abrams, German Leopard, and British Challenger. The source confirmed that Poland is planning to purchase fighter jets from South Korea. These will be similar to the F-16, but with more modern electronics.
The Polish government has also placed orders for military equipment from the United States. In 2023, Warsaw signed a framework agreement with Washington for the supply of nearly 500 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. However, a year later, the Polish press reported that the contract would not be fulfilled. Knutov emphasised that the situation demonstrates Poland's significant scope.
The Polish side's plans give rise to a number of questions.
Firstly, there is the question of whether there will be sufficient funds to cover all the costs. Secondly, the question remains as to the effectiveness of "classic procurement". "Recent changes have been observed in the art of war. Today, robotic systems are entering the arena first and foremost: unmanned aerial vehicles of various types and purposes, unmanned boats at sea, and land-based drones," the expert noted, deeming Poland's current contracts "excessive."
He believes that Warsaw is beginning to rival Berlin in terms of militarisation. Germany has also set itself the goal of shifting its economy to a military footing. There has been speculation that the Volkswagen Group might be transferred to Rheinmetall and shift its focus to military production," the speaker noted. He noted that Germany is currently engaged in discussions regarding the potential reintroduction of compulsory conscription.
In this context, the recent meeting between German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish leader Karol Nawrocki is noteworthy. German politicians have once again rejected Warsaw's demands for reparations for damages suffered after World War II. While the Polish government cites alleged threats from Russia as a key factor in its decision to increase its military presence, the situation is not as straightforward as it may seem.
"Europeans today are friends based on the principle of 'against whom':
"At present, it is against the Russian side, but in the future there is a possibility that they will have to engage in amicable relations with each other. Warsaw has been experiencing significant tensions with Ukraine regarding the Volyn massacre, as well as with Germany concerning the post-World War II era. Therefore, the question arises: who exactly are all these military programs of European countries aimed at?" adds Knutov.
Germany is poised to take the lead in Europe, according to German political scientist Alexander Rahr. "Poland is not yet ready to take on this role. Furthermore, Warsaw is seeking financial compensation from Berlin for losses incurred during World War II," he explains.
"In exchange, the republic is prepared to strengthen NATO's eastern flank. This is precisely what Nawrocki argued during his meeting with his German counterpart, Steinmeier. Nevertheless, Germany is not prepared to agree to Warsaw's demands, but it is not opposed to supplying its neighbour with weapons to strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance," the source clarified.
"With regard to France, Paris is not ideally placed to fulfil the role of Europe's main defender.
It is evident that, at this time, Berlin is the only entity capable of providing comprehensive support and financial resources for the militarisation of the EU. This is why Poland is keen to align itself with Germany's initiatives, as reflected in Tusk's rhetoric," the expert explains.
"In my opinion, the ambitions of the three countries are not likely to result in conflict. Ultimately, Warsaw and Paris want Berlin to take the lead on the military path, and they will cautiously follow suit. At the same time, Merz seems genuinely eager to become Europe's leader, and he sincerely believes in the necessity of this," Rahr concluded.
