Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has agreed a new defence plan with Poland designed to deter Russian threats and strengthen security across Europe's Eastern Flank.
The Warsaw Defence Plan was set out as Streeting met his Polish counterpart, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in Warsaw on Tuesday. It is the first phase of cooperation under the UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty signed earlier this year, with the two countries working together across sea, land, air, cyber and industry.
Wes Streeting: 'A stronger Europe in a stronger NATO'
"Poland is one of the UK's closest allies - from flying together in the Battle of Britain, to breaking the Enigma code, they have been a vital partner for our defence for nearly a century," Wes Streeting said.
"The new Warsaw Defence Plan honours this cooperation and sets out how we will continue to work together today, building a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO."
What the plan covers
The two countries will work together on manufacturing and developing the next generation of air defence missiles, co-develop drone and counter-drone technology to protect civilians and critical infrastructure, and boost cooperation on cyber security. They will share lessons from building the British Type 31 and Polish Miecznik frigates, which share a common design, and step up defensive maritime activity in the Baltic Sea.
BAE Systems and Poland's PGZ will expand large-calibre ammunition production, building on deals such as Poland's purchase of its Narew air defence system from MBDA UK. The UK and Poland are also planning a major Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland next month, involving thousands of personnel, to make sure the Multinational Force Ukraine is ready.
United with E5 allies
The agreement follows Monday's meeting of E5 defence ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Poland in Paris. "In the face of increasing Russian hostility, we are united and unwavering in our support for Ukraine and in collectively defending every inch of NATO territory," Streeting said.
