Operationalizing the “Polish fangs”: Poland and long-range precision strike

ABSTRACT In 2013, Poland embarked on an ambitious and wide-ranging program to acquire conventional long-range precision-strike capabilities. The two main reasons were to strengthen the operational capacities of the armed forces to face what they perceived to be an increased danger of a military conflict with Russia; and, second, to create a stronger deterrent effect by demonstrating a credible threat to retaliate against targets inside Russia in the event of an attack. While previously Poland had relied predominantly on the deterrence effect of its membership in NATO and its close relations with the United States, the launch of the “Polish fangs” project demonstrated a more nuanced approach. Poland would work toward increasing the credibility of NATO’s deterrence posture, while also investing in independent long-range strike capabilities as a way to broaden its options. The process of acquiring and operationalizing the elements of the Polish long-range strike complex is ongoing, with little effect so far on broader strategic stability and balance of forces in Europe.