Challenges of the military equipment acquisition system in Poland
Challenges of the military equipment acquisition system in Poland

Summary/Abstract: This article investigates Poland’s military materiel acquisition system, highlighting the persistent challenges that hinder its effectiveness and alignment with contemporary defence needs. Despite over two decades of experience in system development, structural inefficiencies and procedural inconsistencies continue to constrain its performance. The research niche lies in the limited specificity of the academic discourse on military acquisition in Poland, underscoring the necessity for systematic evaluation and reform. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of Poland’s military acquisition framework, focusing on its capability to support the operational capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces within the broader context of technical modernisation. It is guided by the hypothesis that systemic and procedural barriers undermine the efficiency of Poland’s military acquisition, limiting its ability to adapt to evolving defence requirements. Employing analytical methods such as comparison, synthesis, and generalisation, alongside logical reasoning techniques including deduction, induction, and analogy, the article provides a nuanced understanding of the system’s complexities. Key findings reveal that the system’s predominant equipment-focused rather than capability-oriented approach undermines the creative development of defence capability. Challenges such as frequent regulatory changes, fragmented organisational structures, and the absence of a unified life cycle model further exacerbate inefficiencies. The authors conclude that transitioning to a capabilities-based framework, harmonised with NATO standards, and enhancing the legislative and organisational underpinnings of Poland’s armaments policy are vital steps. Addressing these issues is critical for improving acquisition processes and ensuring the long-term operational readiness of the Polish Armed Forces.

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