The UK and Poland have agreed a new defence plan to strengthen deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank, according to the UK Government. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed the Warsaw Defence Plan during talks in Warsaw today.
The plan marks the first phase of cooperation under the UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. Both nations will work together across sea, land, air, cyber and industry.
Streeting said Poland has been a vital partner for nearly a century, from the Battle of Britain to breaking the Enigma code. He said the plan will help build “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.”
Air defence, drones and cyber
The partners will collaborate on manufacturing and developing next-generation air defence missiles. They will also co-develop drone and counter-drone technology as Russia steps up drone incursions across the UK and Europe. Closer cyber cooperation will help both countries protect military and civilian sites from hostile threats.
Maritime cooperation and exercises
The Royal Navy and Polish Navy will share lessons from their frigate programmes, the British Type 31 and the Polish Miecznik, which use a common design. Both nations will increase defensive maritime activity in the Baltic Sea through exercises and regional coordination, protecting vital sea lines of communication.
Their forces will keep taking part in Steadfast Defender, Polish Dragon and Joint Warrior. These exercises cover counter-drone warfare, electronic warfare and missile defence.
Industry and Ukraine
The two governments will coordinate defence procurement more closely, building on Poland’s purchase of the Narew air defence system from MBDA UK. BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ will expand large-calibre ammunition production. Both defence industries will also work together on education, training and workforce mobility.
Next month, the UK and Poland plan a major Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland. Thousands of personnel will take part, preparing the Multinational Force Ukraine to support Ukraine’s military training and post-war rebuilding.
Learn more on the UK MoD website
