Poland’s Ministry of National Defence is drafting a 2026 budget that will boost all military salaries by up to 3 %, raising defence spending to 200.1 billion złoty, a record 4.81 % of GDP.
Budget forecast and record defence spending
The 2026 budget proposal projects defence expenditure to reach 4.81 % of GDP, amounting to a record 200.1 billion złoty. From January 2026, base salaries for all military personnel, including civil staff, will be increased. The basic pay base rises from 2,193.21 zł to 2,259.01 zł gross, translating into an average 3 % raise for professional soldiers.
Uniform raise across all ranks
The salary increase applies to every rank within the armed forces. The new rates will adjust basic pay consistently across the hierarchy, ensuring parity in compensation growth.
Officer pay specifics
Officer compensation will also be revised in line with the new rates, although exact figures have not yet been disclosed.
Official commentary on 2026 budget
The Ministry of Finance highlighted that the 2026 budget responds to unprecedented geopolitical and developmental challenges facing Poland, safeguarding public finances while supporting key investments and social programmes. It stresses that the budget is built on trust, credibility, and state agency, fostering modern social capital and the citizen‑state relationship, and encouraging citizen and corporate development and investment.