In a conversation with journalist Dawid Kamizela from Strefa Obrony, Col. (Ret.) Krystian Zięć – F-16 pilot, commander, instructor, and Alioth Foundation expert – shared his analysis of Polish military aviation, its evolution, and the challenges currently facing the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. His reflections are not only a record of professional experience but also an important voice in the debate on shaping defense policy responsibly and wisely.
This perspective is particularly valuable at a time when defense spending is rising but is not always guided by a long-term vision or a realistic assessment of actual needs. For Col. Zięć, the foundation of effective defense policy lies not merely in numbers, but above all in the quality of people and in the way the state approaches security.
Already in the early years of transformation, Poland successfully shifted its defense system from (post-)Soviet to Western standards. Thanks to intensive training in the United States – where Polish pilots flew shoulder to shoulder with the best – Poland built the competencies and structures that secured its place among NATO’s most professional forces. As Col. Zięć recalled:
“We very quickly became part of NATO’s elite […]. We built very high quality – taking part in exercises such as Red Flag, where our pilots served as mission commanders.”
This experience, he emphasized, should not remain just a memory. In the context of the war in Ukraine, Poland’s path of military modernization could serve as a valuable roadmap – not only technologically, but also organizationally. According to him:
“If I were in Ukraine’s position, I would certainly draw on our experience […], because they don’t have to repeat the mistakes that we made.”
Col. Zięć also addressed difficult issues directly – pointing to problems with equipment availability, inefficiencies in procurement planning, and wasteful spending. For him, security is not about PR statements or political gains, but a civic responsibility whose ultimate purpose is safeguarding future generations.
“We cannot accept a situation in which our children have no chance to live safely in our country for decades to come. […] We simply have to take a smarter approach to spending money.”
This is the voice of a practitioner – someone who knows the armed forces from the inside, has lived through their transformation, and understands how effectiveness in defense is built. His experience and reflections offer a valuable source of knowledge not only for experts but also for anyone interested in Poland’s security and future.
We encourage you to listen to the full conversation on the Strefa Obrony platform.
