Poland’s efforts to turn its growing military power into political influence may be hampered by criticism of its alleged rule of law issues and concerns over its arms purchases from non-NATO countries outside Europe.

‘Weapons that Europe has at its disposal cannot become a threat to anyone so long as the continent’s democratic societies won’t demonstrate a capacity and determination to make use of them,’ Alexis Carré said.

In the present circumstances, even the smallest change affecting the Bundeswehr could be the source of prolonged political debates that not only protract the deployment of forces and the acquisition of equipment, but also greatly hinder effectiveness.

The Hungarian force development programme essentially aims at acquiring NATO-compatible equipment, increasing troops levels, and building a national defence industry.

The prolongation of the war in Ukraine and the challenges to Russia’s military strength may lead to more armed conflicts all over the post-Soviet sphere, as countries in the region try to capitalise on Russia’s weakness.

The struggle between a rising China and a hegemonic United States poses the genuine risk of another world war; historical precedence tells us that such conflicts rarely end without bloodshed. An article by security expert and military historian Bálint Somkuti, published on Mandiner.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine forced most NATO members to reckon with the poor shape of their military and left them searching for quick fixes. Countless procurement programmes have been signed for new weaponry, but we’re still short of manpower. Compulsory service, perhaps even for women, may prove to be the only answer.

Upgrading the Hungarian military industry means that “Hungarians give Hungarian weapons to Hungarian soldiers”.