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Strengthening and modernisation of Poland's armed forces - is it done sensibly? [7]
There can be no doubt about the necessity of strengthening and modernisation of
Wojsko Polskie. Russia is back to it's old imperial self and although Ukraine bought us time for preparations, we will undoubtedly one day have to face Russian agression ourselves. The question, however, is: is it being done in a sensible manner?
The ideas of buying Patriot batteries, as well as a lot of HIMARS, Korean K9 howitzers and Apache attack choppers seem spot on, but let's take a look at other purchases.
When the acquisition of tanks is complete we will have American Abrams, German Leopard, Korean K2 and still some number of Russian T-72/PT-91. This has to raise significant logistical problems in case of any conflict, and in case of Abrams there is a question of roads and bridges in eastern Poland not being able to support their weight and local terrain (mud and marshes) rendering them useless against Russians there. Of course, we can keep Abrams in the west and defend the eastern borders with K2s and Leopards, but what's the point of buying ridiculously expensive (in purchase and upkeep) tanks and keep them against Germany (what are the chances of Polish-German war in foreseeable future?). Also, if we get the number of tanks planned, our land forces will turn into a huge panzer army, WW2 style. Are we sure we are preparing for the right kind of conflict?
Then... Korean F50 trainer-batlle aircraft. Why do we need them? We have PZL-130 for basic training, M-346 for advanced training, and for proper battle training we have F-16D two-seaters. What are those F50s for? Especially that I read that they are supposed to replace Migs-29, which is ridiculous - Mig-29 is still a good fighter plane, which F50 certainly isn't. Su-22 are to be withdrawn in 2025 but they are fighter-bombers and will be replaced with F-35A, not with Korean lightweight planes. Strange.
We are spending huge amounts of money, but sometimes it seems they are spent too quickly and without enough consideration. Unless, we don't know everything and the war with Russia is closer than we all thing. Then, of course, the haste is understandable.
