UPDATE - As the commander of the land forces resigns, President Lech Kaczynski said the readiness of Poland’s armed forces to carry out their missions abroad requires “an immediate and serious debate”.

General Waldemar Skrzypczak resigned as commander of Poland’s army, Thursday afternoon, after accusing the Defence Ministry of “serious incompetence” which has contributed to the growing casualty rate of Polish troops in Afghanistan.

Earlier, President Lech Kaczynski said after a meeting with Defence Minister Bogdan Klich to discuss the general’s remarks, that an urgent improvement at the level of process and equipment for the armed forces is not only in the interest of soldiers. "We need very concrete actions, one by one, to improve the situation. It's not just about the safety of our troops. It's also about the prestige of the Republic of Poland," said President Kaczynski.

Minister Klich said after the meeting that it was agreed that there would be no call for the dismissal of General Skrzypczak, though the commander had apologised for his remarks.

General Skrzypczak immediately issued a statement that he had not apologised, stood by his remarks and offered his resignation.

The general’s outburst came after the death of Captain Daniel Ambrozinski - the tenth Polish soldier to be killed in Afghanistan - who was shot by Taliban forces last week.

In a newspaper interview, General Skrzypczak criticized government bureaucracy for neglecting army equipment requirements, such as unmanned aircraft and helicopters, which could monitor movements on the ground as troops make patrols.

The Polish armed forces commander said that he had requested such equipment two years ago but this had fallen on deaf ears at the Defence Ministry.

Earlier this week, the government announced plans to upgrade equipment for the armed forces and cut red tape. "The government has approved a draft bill on supplies needed for defence and the state's security," read a a statement issued on Tuesday.

Poland has 2,000 troops currently serving in Afghanistan. (pg/jn)

Updated 20.00 CET