The Polish Ministry of Defence says it will spend €12.3bn modernising its armed forces to 2018.

Defence Minister Bogdan Klich said the plan would improve the army through 14 programmes, which include air defence systems, combat and cargo helicopters, naval modernisation, espionage and unmanned aircraft, training simulators and equipment for soldiers.

As part of the plan, Poland says it will spend half of the sum on army modernisation. The remaining funds will be used to purchase new LIFT combat training aircraft, Langust missile launchers, Krab self-propelled howitzers, Homar rocket launchers and Rosomak tanks.

The modernisation programme intends to create a modern army with advanced technology by the year 2018, the minister said.