On the Wings of the White Eagle: Poland's Air Force Reform and Modernization, 1989-Present
Abstract
In 1989, years of Soviet control of the political, economic, and military systems had left Poland unprepared to significantly contribute to NATO, However, Poland accepted the challenge of building a capable air arm for NATO as it began to reform its political system, modernize its Air Force, and strengthen its economic system to support Air Force modernization, This research paper analyzes Poland's progress in implementing these reforms and is grounded in three themes: the political progress of reforming the civil-military structure; the economic progress of reforming Poland's defense budget and defense industry to support Air Force modernization; and the military's progress in modernizing its Air Force weapons. This paper does not provide specific solutions but, instead, gives a general understanding of the long road Poland has embarked upon to transform itself from a Soviet satellite into a valued, all-around contributor to NATO, Poland's attempts at political reform have mostly succeeded whereas its economic reforms have failed to support Air Force modernization Likewise Air Force modernization is stymied behind a series of plans much too ambitious to be implemented within instable defense budgets, Poland, however, is investigating more economical ways to modernize its Air Force, for example, by leasing an interim modern fighter capability, The speedy incorporation of Poland into NATO will be followed by years, if not decades, of continuing military and economic reform to lift Poland to the level of NATO partnership of which it dreams.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA407151
Entities
People
- Pamela J. Wolosz
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College