East Front News #22: Presidential election in Romania, Polish Navy Modernization Schedule

Results of the First Round of the Presidential Election in Romania

On November 24, 2024, the first round of the Romanian presidential election saw a surprising victory for Călin Georgescu, a right-wing radical from the Union of Romanian Unity, who garnered 22.95% of the vote despite pre-election polls predicting just 5%. Georgescu’s agenda includes glorifying WWII fascist Marshal Ion Antonescu, criticizing the European Union, and opposing globalism, framing Ukraine’s war as serving U.S. arms companies« interests. In contrast, Social Democrat Marcel Ciolacu, the initial favorite, finished third with 19.15%. Elena Lasconi of the Union for the Salvation of Romania, a pro-European candidate, narrowly edged into the second round with 19.17%. The outcome of the December 8 runoff is uncertain, as mainstream parties remain unable to back either candidate. Parliamentary elections occurring between rounds may further shift political dynamics, reflecting rising support for radical and Eurosceptic groups like Georgescu’s party. Meanwhile, vote recounts and confirmed external threats add tension to the electoral process. 

President Duda's Visit to Armenia

President Andrzej Duda visited Armenia to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and European integration with President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Duda emphasized the destabilizing impact of Moscow’s policies in the Caucasus and highlighted Poland’s willingness to support Armenia’s aspirations to reconcile with the West, including visa facilitation during Poland’s EU Council presidency. Both leaders explored collaboration in modern technologies, green energy, and climate protection, while underscoring Armenia’s desire to move away from Kremlin influence. Duda also visited Yeraskh near the Azerbaijan border and the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) headquarters, reaffirming Poland’s commitment to monitoring security and fostering stability in the region. This visit aligns with Armenia’s aspirations to strengthen ties with Europe and leverage Poland’s experience in transitioning from a Soviet to a European framework. 

Poland and Sweden Strengthen Ties with Renewed Strategic Partnership

Donald Tusk and Ulf Kristersson have signed a bilateral agreement renewing the strategic partnership between Poland and Sweden, aimed at strengthening security and cooperation among Scandinavian, Baltic, and Polish nations. With a long tradition of close relations, Poland and Sweden are united as allies in NATO and the EU, with deeply interconnected economies and a shared commitment to mutual security. This renewed partnership reflects the strongest ties in modern history, addressing key challenges such as competitiveness, migration, support for Ukraine, and the threat from the Russian Federation. On security and European sovereignty, Poland and Sweden stand firmly aligned, speaking with one voice.

Submarines and more. Polish MoD Reveals Navy Modernization Schedule

A contract will be signed later this year for a rescue ship in the Ratownik programme, the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said during the celebration of the Polish Navy Day.

The Defence Minister also stated that a contract for a New Type Orka Submarine will be signed next year. In 2025, a contract should also be signed for the upgrade of the ORP Ślązak corvette, which will provide it with much greater operational capabilities thanks to new weapons integration.

Brig. Gen. Mokrzycki: We must recognize the importance of large-scale military operations

On the sidelines of the 2nd Territorial Defense Symposium in Krakow, Defence24 editors had the opportunity to talk to the Chief of Staff of the 2nd Polish Corps. Brig. Gen. Jarosław Mokrzycki spoke about the importance of the Territorial Defense Forces in terms of NATO’s eastern flank, but also about the cooperation between the 2nd Polish Corps and the US Army V Corps and the importance the 2nd Polish Corps itself plays in defense planning. There were also references to experiences and lessons learned about observations of events on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine. The head of Defence24’s analysis department, Jacek Raubo, conducted the interview.

Col. Jackson: The V Corps and 2 Polish Corps have one of the strongest relationships in NATO

Defence24 had the opportunity to interview Col. Kevin Jackson, Chief of Staff V Corps U.S. Army. The interview occurred during the 2nd Territorial Defense Forces Symposium, organized jointly by the V Corps and the 2nd Polish Corps. At the same time, talks were also held at the highest level of both Corps. Therefore, Colonel Jackson referred to territorial defense and building interoperability between the command structures of both national Corps. Jacek Raubo, head of the analysis division of Defence24, conducted the interview.

Türkiye's Defense Spending to Hit Record High (Again)

Türkiye’s military investments have been on a steady rise each year, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports. Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz recently announced that Türkiye plans to allocate a record-high budget for defense and security in 2025. He also confirmed that the government will continue its growth strategy centered on the private sector

In 2025, Ankara is expected to allocate 913.9 billion lira (approximately $26.6 billion) to defense expenditures, with an additional 694.5 billion lira ($20.28 billion) for domestic security needs. When transfers to the Defense Industry Support Fund (SSDF) are included, the cumulative budget for defense and security is expected to approach 1.608 trillion lira (around $47 billion), which would constitute 10.9% of Türkiye’s total central government budget—up from 10.2% in 2024. This escalation represents a notable 17.5% increase from the 2024 defense allocation of roughly $40 billion, underscoring Türkiye’s emphasis on bolstering its defense sector.

Polish Ministry of Defence: We Need Slovakia's Cooperation in Ammunition Production

To achieve large-scale production of 155mm ammunition, Poland needs to cooperate with Slovakia, said Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. He emphasized Slovakia’s openness to technology transfers.

„We are together in the European Union, together in NATO. We are strong partners. We want to develop the defense industry jointly with you, as you are our strategic partner in this field,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. „I am highly impressed with Slovakia’s production capabilities in ammunition manufacturing, especially 155mm, but also other types,” he added.

"New Weapons for the Polish F-35 Are Getting Closer"

Acquisition of AARGM-ER missiles (Advanced Antiradiation Guided Missile – Extended Range) for the Polish Armed Forces enters a new phase - Defence24.pl found out. Contract should be signed in the upcoming months.

As the Armament Agency informed, while answering a question asked by the Defence24.pl, preparation for the purchase of antiradiation AARGM-ER missiles has entered a new phase. This matter is being processed and an respective contract should be signed within the next months, most likely at the start of the next year. Polish F-35A 5th generation fighters will then acquire a special type of weapon used to strike at enemy’s air defence systems deep within their area of control.

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East Front News is a weekly newsletter and article on Defence24.com summarizing the past week’s most important events concerning security and the situation in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes original opinions and comments, along with key news items significant from a Polish perspective.

Aleksander Olech, PhD & Jakub Palowski, Deputy Ed. in Chief