Modernising our national defence is definitely very important, especially in view of the many uncertainties in the post-Cold War and now post-Sept 11 situation in the world. However, blindly spending a huge sum of money purchasing weaponry and other hardware is not necessarily the right solution.

On the contrary, if we are not careful in our defence planning and budgeting, we could fall into the 'sweet talk' of arms merchants and their lobbyists (overseas or local) from the West. Unthinking belief that weaponry and hardware alone can help us to modernise the armed forces could also lead to corruption in high places. We might also become dumping ground for inferior products not wanted in other developed countries.

Let us also not forget that recommendations to purchase arms and weaponry by non-experts in the government could lead to difficulties of technically and doctrinally integrating different sub-systems and products from different countries into a coherent and efficient overall system of Command, Communication, Control, Computering and Intelligence (C4I), or even an Order of Battle (Orbat). The difficulties could result in waste, inefficiency or even physical dangers to those who would be in charge of operating the system or systems, especially when in real action.

For these reasons, the government should review the decision to purchase the 64 Polish combat tanks. After all, no binding contract has been officially signed yet. There is still room to re-consider. It is not too late.