English Section

Poland moves to reopen closed military shooting ranges

12.03.2026 09:39
Military shooting ranges taken out of service will be brought back into operation. The issue concerns 27 facilities that were closed between 2015 and 2024.
Despite the increase, Poland still has about 2.5 firearms per 100 inhabitants, the lowest rate in the European Union according to 2017 Small Arms Survey data, compared with much higher levels in Finland, Austria and Cyprus.
Despite the increase, Poland still has about 2.5 firearms per 100 inhabitants, the lowest rate in the European Union according to 2017 Small Arms Survey data, compared with much higher levels in Finland, Austria and Cyprus.Photo: CC0

Soldiers were unable to use the ranges mainly because the facilities did not meet construction standards and exceeded permitted noise limits. According to a decision by the leadership of the defence ministry, the facilities that had been taken out of service are now being reviewed, and some of the decisions to close them have been appealed.

Three of the contested decisions have already been overturned and the ranges are operating again, while six are still under review.

“These are important steps that will restore the training base for the army,” said Colonel Marek Pietrzak, spokesperson for the General Staff.

The officer added that in the current security situation in the region it is necessary to urgently strengthen training infrastructure for soldiers.

According to the military, an efficient and safe training base is one of the foundations for building the combat capabilities of the armed forces.

Restoring previously closed facilities has been made possible in part by regulatory changes that entered into force in August 2023 and later in mid-2025, when the so-called special investment law was introduced.

Because of the need to strengthen the training potential of the Polish military, the rules governing permits to operate shooting ranges were changed. Among other things, construction standards and noise limits were redefined.

(tf)

Source: IAR