Air defence in the Balkans: What Can the Region learn from Poland´s Multi-layered Model?
Ema Valachová
This article aims to analyse the current state of air defence in Balkan countries and compare it with Poland´s system, highlighting its advanced multi-layered architecture. Why Poland matters? Poland sets the regional benchmark through the development of a unique multi-layered Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system. This architecture combines state-of-the-art technologies with investments, which reached 4.5% of GDP in 2025, the highest in NATO in relative terms. For 2026, Poland aims to further increase its defence spending to 4.8% of GDP.
The comparison seeks to identify potential lessons for the Balkan region as many European states work to strengthen their defence capabilities. The main reason for addressing this issue, as well as the reason why many other countries, including Poland, are improving their air defence systems, is the growing number of incidents that occurred last year involving violations of national airspace. Several European countries reported drones or other aerial objects entering or approaching their territory.
One of these incidents involved Poland, on 10 September 2025, Poland confirmed that multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had threatened its airspace. According to Polish authorities, the UAVs were believed to be of Russian origin. In response to this incident, Poland shot down the vehicles using national and allied air defence systems. This event signals an escalation in Moscow’s reach and leaves NATO’s eastern defences looking increasingly vulnerable.
Nevertheless, Poland was not the only country to experience air threats. Last year, for example, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Romania, Estonia, Germany and France reported drones or experienced disruptions over their territory. As a result, Denmark temporarily banned all commercial drone flights throughout the country on 29 September. In response to these developments, the European Union also launched an initiative to strengthen security along the eastern border with Russia and NATO. To address these threats, many nations are working to modernise their air defence capabilities.
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Poland´s air defence systems
As mentioned earlier, the country is setting financial standards, aiming for defence spending of 4.8% of GDP, equivalent to around 39 billion EUR per year. In addition, a special fund of 31 billion EUR is planned, financed via leasing models, bonds and loans, and exclusively for the procurement of new equipment.
Poland´s commitment to a multi-layered architecture is best illustrated by the second phase of its Wisla Program. This massive acquisition, signed in August 2025, includes 48 PATRIOT M903 Launch Stations and up to 644 PATRIOT PAC-3 MSE missiles. Apart from that also 48 Launcher Interface Network Kits (LINKs), 12 Lower Tier Air and Missile Defence Sensors (LTAMDS), which provide a crucial 360-degree radar coverage, and 12 Large Tactical Power Systems (LTPS) for the LTAMDS.
This architecture is supported by the Narew system (SHORAD), which provides short-range protection for critical infrastructure and mobile military units. A key feature of the Narew program is that it will be developed and produced domestically. At the very short-range level (VSHORAD), the PSR-A Pilica+ combines artillery, missiles, and radar sensors. This system adds a final layer of protection against drones and low-flying targets, increasing the overall resilience of the national defence.
Additionally, Poland maintains a wide range of short-range capabilities, from older Soviet-era artillery to modern, domestically produced portable systems like the Grom and Piorun. While some older equipment remains in use, ongoing modernisation projects are significantly enhancing their effectiveness. Compared to its neighbours in the Visegrad Four, Poland is modernising at the fastest pace. By combining its domestic defence industry with a clear multi-layered strategy, Poland currently leads the region in defence development.
Unlike Poland, most Balkan states lack integrated air defence planning and rely heavily on NATO air policing missions.
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Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro
In contrast, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro, despite being NATO members, are currently unable and lack the necessary assets to safeguard their own sovereign airspace. These nations do not possess the specific capabilities and required air defence systems to contribute to NATO Air Policing missions independently. Consequently, their air security is provided and secured by the air forces of other NATO Allies.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the state of aircraft defence currently ranks 113th out of nations globally. As of the year 2026, the Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence Brigade of Bosnia and Herzegovina operates 22 active military aircraft, with no additional units currently on order. The brigade´s structure is mostly composed of helicopters, reflecting a focus on rotary-wing assets rather than fixed-wing combat aircraft.
Kosovo
Kosovo is currently in the middle of a military transformation, with plans to increase defence spending by 60% over the next four years. Last year, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced a one-billion-EUR budget for the Army’s next term, which represents a major investment intended to strengthen national security. A key focus on modernisation is the development of air capabilities, as Kosovo is moving forward with the acquisition of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the US, which will serve as “the first crewed rotary-wing aircraft” for the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). Moreover, the government is also prioritising the domestic production of drones and ammunition to increase reliance on the country itself.
Serbia
On the other hand, Serbia is currently undertaking a controversial modernisation of its air defences by deepening military ties with China. At the start of this year, Serbia acquired advanced drones and air defence systems, contributing to growing tension and regional instability between global powers. Belgrade’s growing military cooperation with China stands in stark contrast to its stated goals of EU integration and neutrality, reflecting a complex and contradictory foreign policy. Latest customs data from Radio Slobodna Evropa´s Balkan Service indicates that Serbia’s defence-related acquisitions from China reached an estimated $280 million during the 2024–2025 period. While these data do not name specific exact types of weaponry and goods that have been purchased, analysts believe the purchases include drone technology, air defence systems and maintenance for systems purchased earlier in the decade.
Conclusion
While several Balkan nations, such as Kosovo and Serbia, are currently upgrading their inventories, Poland remains the European “gold standard” for its Integrated Air and Missile Defence architecture. A comparison between these regions reveals that although Balkan states are making efforts to improve their current capabilities, these individual upgrades may not be sufficient to ensure comprehensive national security. To effectively safeguard their airspace, there is a critical need for these countries to modernise their systems. Achieving true security will require moving toward the kind of unified, multi-layered architecture currently seen in Poland.
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Ema Valachová is an Intern at the Strategic Analysis Young Leaders Programme
Disclaimer: Views presented here are those of the author solely and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Strategic Analysis.
Sources:
AIRCOM – Allied Air Command, 2026, Air Policing over the Western Balkans, https://ac.nato.int/missions/air-policing/western-balkans
Alicja Ptak, 2025, Poland plans record defence spending of 4.8% GDP in 2026 budget along with lower deficit, NFP – Notes from Poland, https://notesfrompoland.com/2025/08/29/poland-plans-record-defence-spending-of-4-8-gdp-in-2026-budget-along-with-lower-deficit/
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