Publisher's Synopsis
In 1989 years of Soviet control over 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: (1) the political progress of reforming the civil-military structure, (2) the economic progress of reforming Poland's defense budget and defense industry to support air force modernization and, (3) the military's progress in modernizing its air force weapons. This study 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 NATO contributor. Poland's attempts at political reform have mostly succeeded, whereas its economic reforms have failed to support air force modernization. Air force modernization is stymied behind a series of plans much too ambitious to be implemented within the country's unstable defense budget. Poland is, however, investigating more economical ways to modernize its air force such as leasing an interim modern-fighter capability. The speedy incorporation of Poland into NATO may 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. An afterword is included to inform readers of significant changes in Poland's defense posture and potential air force modernization between the time this paper was originally researched in 2001 and its publication in 2004.
