Poland, UK Sign 3-Year Defense Cooperation Plan
The UK Defense Secretary and his Polish counterpart signed a three-year defense cooperation plan in Warsaw on Tuesday, calling for the two nations to work together on naval, ground forces, air force, cyber, and industry areas in order to strengthen security and deterrence in the Eastern Flank.
On Tuesday, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, along with the UK's Defense Secretary Wes Streeting, met in Warsaw to sign a three-year defense cooperation plan. This plan builds upon the UK-Poland Security and Defense Partnership Treaty, also known as the "Northolt Treaty," signed in May by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the primary areas of cooperation will involve new technologies, artificial intelligence, drones, anti-drone systems, modern deterrence measures, traditional exercises to build capabilities, and collaboration in the development of the next generation of air defense missiles. These missiles will be based on Poland's "Narew," "Pilica," and "Pilica+" programs.
The plan also addresses the co-development of drone and counter-drone technologies due to increased Russian threats against civilian infrastructure and drone incursions across Europe. Wes Streeting emphasized the daily mobilization of Poland's forces and air defenses in response to these threats, describing it as state-sponsored terrorism.
The agreement also aims to build modern warships, including Poland's "Miecznik" (Swordfish) and the British Type 31 frigate programs, which are on schedule. This cooperation will be complemented by increased naval activity in the Baltic Sea for the protection of vital communication lines.
Both countries will also enhance their cyber security and resilience to protect defense-related and civilian networks from hostile threats. They plan to strengthen links between their defense industries, including defense procurement coordination with MBDA UK, BAE Systems, and Poland's PGZ in the production of large-caliber ammunition.
The ministers affirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia, with both nations providing contingents for the upcoming "Coalition of the Wiling" exercise in Poland. This exercise, announced in August by French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will involve thousands of personnel for military training and post-war rebuilding efforts in Ukraine.
The meeting also touched upon Europe's relations with the US, with Kosiniak-Kamysz stating that both Poland and the UK support strengthening the transatlantic alliance, while still striving for greater independence for Europe from the United States.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
