Speaking at the Military Aviation Works No. 1 (WZL-1) in Dęblin on Monday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland would always expect from its allies what it offers in return – respect and predictability.
"We expect this from our allies, not for free. We expect this because no country in Europe, no country in NATO, invests as much in its own and collective security as Poland," he said.
Tusk added that no turbulence, however significant, could undermine the mutual trust that forms the foundation of European and American security.
Until now, engine maintenance for Poland's 366 Abrams tanks would have had to be carried out in the United States.
The defence ministry said the Dęblin facility would become only the third such centre in the world, and the first in Europe, authorised to service the AGT1500 engines.
The contract, signed with US firm Honeywell, is valued at PLN 300 million (USD 82 million).
The ceremony came days after reports from Reuters, citing anonymous American officials, that the Pentagon had cancelled plans to rotate 4,000 US troops into Poland.
CNN said that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision was part of a broader effort to reduce US force numbers in Europe.
The Pentagon separately announced on 1 May the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany.
Poland is America's 'biggest ally in Europe,' says deputy PM
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, also present at the ceremony, said that Poland is one of the largest buyers of American military equipment, with purchases exceeding USD 50 billion, including Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters.
He said this level of investment deserved "respect on both sides".
Kosiniak-Kamysz added that any reorganisation of US forces "cannot come at the expense of the United States' biggest ally in Europe".
"We invest around USD 15,000 per year for each American soldier stationed here. This sets us apart from other European countries."
"This also deserves an honest conversation between friends," he said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters that Poland had not been informed of any reduction in the American military presence in the country at any stage.
He pointed to a guarantee given by President Donald Trump during a meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki in September that US troops would remain in Poland.
"If President Trump told President Nawrocki 'I am maintaining the American military presence in Poland', that is an order for all US military commanders."
Asked what had gone wrong in communications with Washington, the defence minister said the question should be directed to the American side, noting that even Republican members of Congress had learned of the developments through the media.
Kosiniak-Kamysz added he believed "all ambiguities" would be clarified within the coming days.
The ceremony came amid a broader political dispute over who bears responsibility for the issue.
(ał)
Source: PAP