The UK and Poland have reached an agreement to expand defense cooperation, aimed at strengthening their joint air and missile defense capabilities. The enhanced collaboration was unveiled following talks between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki at Downing Street, the UK government said Tuesday.
“The UK and Poland’s defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats,” said UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey.
“This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries,” Healey continued.
How Will the UK & Poland Enhance Missile Defense Capabilities?
Under the agreement, the two allies will assess joint development and acquisition of new capabilities to address evolving air threats, while examining ways to expand defense manufacturing capacity across Europe. British and Polish forces will conduct joint training in virtual environments to reinforce Euro-Atlantic security by enhancing air defense coordination, reducing the cost and risk of live exercises. The effort will be delivered through Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences, or DIAMOND, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization initiative led by the UK.
What Helicopter Training Is Included?
The agreement expands helicopter training cooperation, with eight Polish military pilots set to begin UK-based training this summer under the NATO Flight Training Europe program. Two Polish instructors will be stationed at Royal Air Force Shawbury to support advanced training for attack helicopter operations.