The Polish Armed Forces are the national military forces of the Republic of Poland, operating under the direction of the Ministry of National Defence. Their primary mandate is to protect state sovereignty, ensure territorial integrity, and contribute to collective defense and peacekeeping missions as a member of NATO. Formally established in 1918 after Poland regained independence, the military played a vital role in the 1919–1921 Polish–Soviet War and mounted sustained resistance against Axis powers throughout World War II.