Poland will have 44 billion euros at its disposal from the European Union's SAFE program to modernize and strengthen its armed forces. This was announced by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, quoted by “Reuters“, BTA reports.
The SAFE program provides up to 150 billion euros in the form of favorable loans for EU member states seeking financing for investments in their defense capabilities.
At the beginning of a government meeting, Tusk explained that part of the funds will be used to purchase drone equipment for the so-called The EU's Eastern Shield, which protects the eastern borders of the community with Russia and Belarus.
The funding will also cover space projects, the development of artificial intelligence for defense purposes, as well as equipment for the army, border guards and police. Among the priorities is the SAFE Baltic program, the prime minister specified.
SAFE Baltic expands the capabilities of the Polish navy and border guards for operations in the strategically and geopolitically sensitive Baltic Sea region.
“With the help of the SAFE program, we will also be able to finance road and rail infrastructure directly related to the security of the Polish state“, Tusk added.
Poland is among the most active supporters of Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion and allocates a larger share of its gross domestic product to defense than any other NATO member state.