Warsaw and London have signed a three-year defence cooperation plan covering joint military exercises, the development of defence technologies and increased weapons production. Both countries also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The announcement was made during a joint briefing in Warsaw on Tuesday, 27 October, by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting following the signing of the document.
"Together with the Minister, we have just signed an agreement on a defence cooperation plan, which follows from the Polish-British treaty adopted several months ago," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Among the priorities for joint action, he identified long-range precision weapons systems, drones and counter-drone capabilities, artificial intelligence and joint defence projects. The Polish minister also emphasised the importance of cooperation with the United States and strengthening Europe's defence industry.
The Polish Deputy Prime Minister stressed that support for Ukraine had been a key topic at the beginning of his meeting with his British counterpart.
"Poland and the United Kingdom are doing everything possible to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian tyranny. We do not know what the 21st century will bring: the freedom we cherish or the tyranny represented by the Russian Federation. Ukraine has experienced this tyranny, this repressive, neo-imperial policy of the Russian Federation, since 2014, beginning with the occupation of Crimea and followed by the full-scale war. Our response, both Polish and British, is unequivocal. We will defend our freedom, our rights and our land with all our strength and all our capabilities. Every centimetre of our land," Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasised.
He called for an acceleration of large-scale weapons production, stressing that strengthening defence capabilities and deterring aggression reduce the risk of war.
Among the immediate priorities for Polish-British cooperation, he highlighted the development of air defence systems, the construction of frigates and the production of 155mm artillery ammunition.
For his part, Streeting emphasised that London and Warsaw share a common assessment of the threats posed by Russia and the importance of jointly countering the Kremlin's hybrid threats.
"This is a very important moment because it sends an unequivocal message to the Kremlin that we stand together in the face of this threat, that we have closed ranks and that we are united. As for the defence of Ukraine, we stand with Ukraine. We are fighting for their freedom and supporting them in their struggle for freedom and democracy. That is precisely what our alliance is for," Streeting stressed.
The British Defence Secretary emphasised that NATO is a defensive alliance and does not seek war with Russia, but that its members must be prepared for a possible armed conflict.
