The announcement followed talks in Warsaw and included confirmation that RAF Eurofighters would bolster NATO's eastern flank defense next year.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey, on a visit to Poland after stops in Paris and Berlin, met with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked Healey for his support at the NATO summit in Washington, noting that a reconnaissance team of British engineers would be dispatched to evaluate Poland's needs for the Shield East project. Additionally, 4-6 Eurofighter Typhoon jets will be deployed for Air Policing missions in Polish airspace.
"Today, Ukraine needs military support and assistance for refugees in Poland and the UK. This solidarity is demonstrated by Poland and the UK through further donations and security agreements," Kosiniak-Kamysz said, referencing bilateral agreements such as the one signed between Poland and Ukraine in July. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Polish and UK arms industries on projects including the production of 155 mm ammunition and the country’s ‘Narew’ and ‘Miecznik’ military programs.
Healey stressed the UK government's commitment to NATO and European allies. "It's important to express the new UK government's unwavering commitment to NATO, Poland, and the Alliance on the eastern flank," he said. Healey emphasized the significance of UK-Poland defense cooperation, including joint training of Ukrainian troops and the development of integrated air defense.
"We are ready to send a reconnaissance team of Royal Engineers to Poland to help assess the pressures on your borders," Healey stated. He commended Poland’s leadership since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and reiterated the UK's support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people. Healey confirmed Britain's commitment to accelerating military support for Ukraine, including a GBP 3 billion annual aid package.
(jh)
Source: PAP
