The plan sets out the first phase of cooperation under the new UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty. It accompanies talks in Warsaw between Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“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,” Streeting said. “From collaborating on NATO exercises that deter our adversaries to working together to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, we are committed to standing together for European security whilst boosting our economies with stronger defence industries.”
The industrial work includes collaboration on manufacturing and developing next-generation air defence missiles. BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ will expand large-calibre ammunition production capacity and capability, while the governments pursue closer procurement coordination.
That coordination will build on existing deals, including Poland’s purchase of the Narew air defence system from MBDA UK. The two countries’ industries will also cooperate on education, training and workforce mobility.
Joint drone and counter-drone development will focus on threats to civilians and critical infrastructure. The agreement also covers cyber security and resilience to protect military and civilian sites.
Naval cooperation will draw on experience from the British Type 31 and Polish Miecznik frigate programmes, which share a common design. More defensive maritime activity, exercises and regional coordination in the Baltic Sea will support the protection of maritime lines of communication.
The countries will continue participating in Steadfast Defender, Polish Dragon and Joint Warrior to prepare for missions including counter-drone warfare, electronic warfare and missile defence. They are also planning a Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland next month, involving thousands of personnel, to prepare the Multinational Force Ukraine to support military training and post-war rebuilding.
