Poland aims to build a 1,600-tank force by 2032

Poland is rapidly expanding its army’s tank fleet as it prepares for the risk of a Russian invasion.

It does not have nuclear weapons, and aims to use a large conventional force to deter an attack.

The country had just under 800 tanks in 2024 and expects to have 1,100 by 2030 and 1,600 by 2032.

By 2030, that would be more tanks than France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom have combined, according to the figures cited.

Poland operates German Leopard, US Abrams and South Korean K2 tanks, and wants its own companies to gain skills and technology through the purchases.

A 2022 agreement with South Korea provides a framework for buying up to 1,000 K2 tanks, but it is not a firm order for all of them.

The expansion also helps replace tanks Poland donated to Ukraine.