Written by Xavier Bento

In the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the wave of rearmament announced in several European nations, Poland declared through its Defence Minister its objective to acquire three additional mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) to boost its naval presence in the Baltic Sea. This decision has its roots in the strategic and military importance of the Baltic Sea, and its political significance for Poland and Europe. Above all, it reflects a need for Polish armed forces to modernise and reinforce their position in what remains a place of friction between Western and Russian forces.