Poland Unveils Plans to Double Size of Military

Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski said that an increase in military spending would help “defend the fatherland” The head of Poland’s ruling party has announced his intention to draft a bill that will increase military spending, while the country faces threats from Russia and Belarus. Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski said the proposed spending increase would help “protect the fatherland” and strengthen the armed forces, while Poland’s borders are being invaded by migrants from Belarus. Kaczynski cited the migration crisis and Russia’s “imperial ambitions” as the reasons for drafting the bill. The plan provides for an increase in the military budget, as well as an increase in the number of armed forces more than twice – from the current 110 thousand to 250 thousand troops. The changes do not imply the restoration of compulsory military service. Kaczynski also said that Poland hopes to strengthen its armed forces through the purchase of American-made military equipment, but will also consider European weapons. Голос Америки