Britain and Poland have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and improving their ability to deter potential threats from Russia through closer military, technological and industrial collaboration.
The agreement, known as the Warsaw Defence Plan, was signed on Tuesday during an official visit to the Polish capital by British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who held talks with his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
According to a statement issued by the UK Ministry of Defence, the agreement commits both countries to expanding cooperation across land, sea, air, cybersecurity and defence industries.
“Britain will be more secure as a result of a new defence agreement with Poland designed to deter Russian threats,” the ministry said.
The Warsaw Defence Plan establishes the first phase of cooperation under the new UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty, providing a framework for closer coordination between the two NATO allies.
The British government said the initiative reflected its commitment to strengthening European security and supporting a more capable and coordinated NATO alliance.
Speaking about the agreement, Streeting highlighted the longstanding defence relationship between Britain and Poland, saying the new arrangement recognised their existing cooperation and established a path for further collaboration.
He said the agreement “honours this cooperation” and would help both countries work towards building a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.
A central element of the plan involves the joint development and production of next-generation air defence missiles, intended to improve the countries’ ability to respond to evolving aerial threats.
Britain and Poland will also cooperate on developing drone and counter-drone technologies, reflecting the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.
Cybersecurity will form another major area of cooperation, with both countries seeking to strengthen their capacity to address digital threats affecting military operations and critical defence infrastructure.
The agreement also provides for greater collaboration in maritime security, particularly in the Baltic Sea, which has become an increasingly important area of strategic concern for NATO.
Under the plan, the two countries will exchange experience and technical knowledge related to the development of frigate capabilities and expand defensive maritime activities through joint exercises and regional coordination.
The initiative is also intended to deepen cooperation between British and Polish defence manufacturers, including closer coordination in military procurement and the development of advanced defence technologies.
“The UK and Poland will also work together to further strengthen cooperation between their defence industries through closer defence procurement coordination,” the ministry said.
The agreement comes amid continuing concerns among European NATO members over regional security and the need to strengthen military preparedness.
By expanding cooperation across conventional military capabilities, emerging technologies and defence production, Britain and Poland aim to reinforce collective deterrence and improve their ability to respond to security challenges along NATO’s eastern flank.