Poland is accelerating its military modernization with strategic partnerships with US defence technology firms Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries, signalling a bold shift in its defence strategy. As the country prepares to allocate nearly 5% of its GDP to defence spending next year, these agreements highlight Poland’s dual focus on acquiring cutting-edge military technology and bolstering its domestic defence industry.
Poland’s defence spending is set to reach approximately 200 billion zloty ($55 billion) in 2025, a substantial increase from the 4.7% of GDP earmarked for this year. The government has made it clear that a significant portion of this budget will be directed towards domestic defence procurement, reinforcing Poland’s position as one of NATO’s leading defence spenders.
**AI and Battlefield Data Integration with Palantir**
In a significant move, Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Palantir CEO Alex Karp signed a letter of intent to collaborate on data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The agreement underscores Poland’s urgency to integrate advanced data systems across its military units.
“Palantir has unique battlefield experience,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated, emphasising the need for secure data links between military units. While the initial agreement is non-binding and financial details remain undisclosed, the minister expects to finalise deals for specific Palantir systems within the next few months.
Karp reiterated Palantir’s commitment to investing in Poland, engaging local engineers, and leveraging the nation’s defence industry potential. “Supporting Poland’s defence investments is crucial as the country leads Europe in this domain,” Karp said.
**Autonomous Air Systems and Cruise Missiles with Anduril**
Concurrently, Poland’s state-owned defence group PGZ SA has partnered with Anduril Industries to develop and produce autonomous air systems, including the Barracuda-500M cruise missile. The collaboration is expected to facilitate technology transfer, joint research and development, and strengthen Poland’s defence capabilities, as well as those of NATO’s eastern flank.
PGZ CEO Adam Leszkiewicz highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement paves the way for technology transfer, joint research and development, and the production of equipment that will bolster not only Poland but the entire eastern flank of NATO.”
The partnership follows PGZ’s recent agreements with Germany’s Rheinmetall AG and France’s Eurenco SA, underscoring Poland’s commitment to diversifying its defence supply chain and fostering international collaboration.
**Shaping the Future of European Defence**
Poland’s aggressive defence spending and strategic partnerships with Palantir and Anduril Industries are reshaping the European defence landscape. By prioritising domestic procurement and fostering international collaborations, Poland is positioning itself as a key player in NATO’s defence strategy.
These developments also highlight the growing importance of AI, data integration, and autonomous systems in modern warfare. As Poland invests heavily in these technologies, it is likely to influence broader European defence policies and encourage other NATO members to follow suit.
Moreover, the emphasis on technology transfer and joint development underscores a shift towards more collaborative and resilient defence industrial bases. This approach not only strengthens Poland’s defence capabilities but also contributes to the overall security of NATO’s eastern flank.
In the broader context, Poland’s defence modernization efforts serve as a model for other nations seeking to balance rapid technological advancements with domestic industrial growth. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, Poland’s strategic investments and partnerships will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of European defence.