Rzeczpospolita: The War In Ukraine Is Changing The Polish Army
- 2.08.2026, 21:19
Poland is restructuring its combat battalions and reducing the number of tanks and armored vehicles.
Poland is restructuring its combat battalions based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Instead of one of the combat companies in each unit, units are forming unmanned systems companies, while the number of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles is being reduced. This decision is intended to enhance the troops’ capabilities on the modern battlefield, according to Rzeczpospolita.
The pilot project has been underway for nearly a year in two battalions equipped with Rosomak armored personnel carriers. As part of the experiment, one of the four combat companies was replaced with a unit of unmanned systems, reducing the number of armored vehicles in the battalion from 58 to 44.
The new units will be equipped with FPV drones, reconnaissance systems, and counter-drone capabilities. The battalions are expected to be able to independently detect, identify, and engage targets at a range of up to 30 km—two and a half times farther than before.
Although the certification of the pilot units will not take place until November, the new organizational model has already been included in the Polish Armed Forces Development Program for 2025–2039. In the long term, it is intended to become the standard for tank, mechanized, and motorized infantry battalions.
These changes are the result of an analysis of modern warfare, primarily Ukraine’s combat experience. At the same time, the Polish Army does not view drones as a complete replacement for tanks or other armored vehicles, but rather integrates them into the existing weapons system.
In recent years, Poland has been actively reevaluating its approach to the development of its armed forces. Following a readiness review, it became clear that the combat readiness of Polish divisions and their structure require modernization. However, Warsaw has sharply increased funding for programs related to unmanned vehicles and counter-drone systems, making this one of the key areas of rearmament.
Meanwhile, Poland’s military and political leadership is increasingly drawing on Ukrainian practices. In particular, Ukrainian instructors are already training Polish military personnel to counter drones, drawing on Ukraine’s combat experience.