The Polish Armed Forces, according to new policy soon to be the largest and strongest European military in NATO, is often now in the news for its impressive domestic deployments. Huge numbers of troops and armour have been mobilised to patrol and safeguard the Eastern flank of the alliance, in conjunction with plenty of partner forces. Troops are regularly seen on exercise all over the region, but where have these troops earned their experience? What foreign deployments do these units carry ‘under their belts’?

The historical changes of 1989 had a profound impact on Poland’s military engagements abroad, reshaping its role in the global arena and shaping the nation’s approach to international peace and security. Over the years, the Polish Armed Forces have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to various international missions, contributing significantly to peacekeeping, stabilisation, and humanitarian efforts.

Prior to 1995, Poland’s involvement primarily centred around UN peacekeeping operations, with Polish contingents primarily fulfilling logistical roles.

In a pivotal moment, the Polish Military Contingent participated in Operation Desert Storm (1990 – 1991), marking the first engagement of the Polish Armed Forces in a temporary coalition of nations under a UN Security Council mandate during the Persian Gulf crisis.

Poland sent an operational battalion to participate in a UN peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia (operation UNPROFOR in 1992) for the first time, contributing to peace enforcement operations.

At the beginning of 1996, Poland, not yet a member of NATO, sent a military contingent to the Implementation Force (IFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, later reformed into the Stabilization Force (SFOR). This marked the first time Polish soldiers participated in peace enforcement operations as part of a UN-mandated NATO mission.

Poland expanded its role in international coalition missions aimed at enforcing peace in regions threatened by conflict. In 2002, Poland sent a contingent to the anti-terrorism operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and in 2004, they further engaged by participating in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission.

Poland’s significant challenge was participating in the multi-task stabilisation mission in Iraq from 2003 to 2008, which included commanding the Central-South Zone of the International Stabilization Force. Polish special forces were particularly renowned for their operations around the port of Basra at the beginning of the war.

Poland began taking part in operations led by the European Union in 2004, including operations Concordia in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and EUTM Mali, where a Polish Military Contingent provided advisory and training support.

Since 2009 Poland’s commitment to international peace and security persisted as they actively participated in allied operations, such as KFOR in Kosovo, NATO Training Mission in Iraq, and the EU mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Poland contributed naval forces to the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation Sophia from 2011 to 2016 to counter migrant smuggling and trafficking.

Poland’s military deployments demonstrate the nation’s dedication to international peace and security, as well as its commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. As the world faces evolving security challenges, Poland’s continued involvement in international operations underlines its role as a responsible global citizen. The sacrifices made by Polish servicemen and women in pursuit of global stability reflect the nation’s unwavering dedication to shaping a safer and more secure world.

Current Engagements: Presently, Poland actively participates in nine international operations under the auspices of the UN, NATO, and the EU, with approximately 1400 soldiers and military personnel contributing to these vital missions. As Poland continues to play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining peace, its military endeavours serve as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to a safer and more prosperous world.