In an alarming move, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced plans to start large-scale military training for all adult males in response to growing security concerns in Europe. Tusk states that his government is drafting a plan to bolster the country’s defence capacity by significantly expanding its reserve forces. Poland’s strong army of half-a-million soldiers Speaking in the Polish parliament (Sejm), Tusk said that Poland’s goal is to build a military force of 500,000 soldiers, including reservists, as part of a broader training initiative to significantly expand its current 200,000-strong military. This is a substantial increase from the country’s current 200,000-strong military, which was already set to grow to 220,000 this year. Tusk stated that the plan should be finalised by the end of the year. “We will try to have a model ready so that every adult male is trained in the event of war, ensuring a reserve force that is adequate to potential threats.” Tusk referenced Ukraine’s army of 800,000 and Russia’s estimated 1.3 million soldiers as key reasons for strengthening Poland’s military capabilities. “We are not talking about returning to obligatory military service but creating a reserve system that is prepared for potential threats,” he told reporters, as quoted by AP News. Although the plan primarily targets men, Tusk acknowledged that women could also participate in military training. Poland’s increased defence spending Poland is already NATO’s highest spender on defence as a percentage of its economy, currently allocating 4.7 per cent of its GDP this year. Tusk has suggested increasing the budget to 5 per cent. Additionally, Poland has signed significant arms contracts with the United States, worth approximately $20 billion (€18.4 billion). Poland has also made deals with South Korea to acquire tanks and combat aircraft. Poland’s accelerated military expansion comes amid rising concerns over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. There is growing unease over Trump’s stance on NATO and his suspension of military aid to Ukraine. Tusk hinted at Poland’s interest in acquiring its own nuclear weapons, stating, “Today, it is clear that we would be safer if we had our own nuclear arsenal. That is beyond doubt.” However, he acknowledged that this would be a long process requiring international consensus. Growing public anxiety in Poland The prospect of escalating military tensions has led to increased concern among Polish citizens. Some are taking matters into their own hands, such as a start-up in Milanówek, which is developing low-cost underground bomb shelters for businesses and private homes, cited by the BBC. Poland is making it clear that it’s preparing for any potential threats on its borders.