Poland and UK Sign Three-Year Defence Plan

Poland and the United Kingdom signed a three-year defence cooperation plan in Warsaw on 27 October 2026. Named the Warsaw Defence Plan, it was signed by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. The plan implements the UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty, also known as the Northolt Treaty, signed by Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Keir Starmer on 27 May 2026.

Scope of the Defence Partnership

The plan covers military capabilities, defence technology and coordination against security threats attributed to Russia. Its stated operational domains include sea, land, air, cyber and defence industry. Cooperation includes artificial intelligence, drones, anti-drone systems, modern deterrence measures and military exercises. The two countries also plan to increase joint defensive maritime activity and coordination in the Baltic Sea.

Joint Programmes and Defence Production

The Miecznik naval programme involves the construction of multi-purpose frigates. Integrated air defence cooperation includes Poland’s Narew, Pilica and Pilica+ programmes. The plan also includes establishing an independent production line for 155mm ammunition. Defence-industry cooperation includes procurement coordination and production capacity development, with existing cooperation involving MBDA UK, BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ. Poland has procured the Narew air defence system from MBDA UK.

Security and Alliance Context

The plan addresses Russian hybrid activity, including drone incursions that have prompted the mobilisation of Polish forces and air defences. Poland and the UK affirmed support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Both governments support stronger European defence capabilities alongside the transatlantic alliance, rather than complete European defence independence from the United States. Poland joined NATO in 1999, while the UK was a founding member of the alliance in 1949.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Northolt Treaty is the UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty signed on 27 May 2026.
• The Miecznik programme is a Polish naval programme for multi-purpose frigates.
• Narew, Pilica and Pilica+ are included in the integrated air defence cooperation.
• The Baltic Sea is part of the planned area for increased joint defensive maritime activity.

Defence Cooperation in Brief

The Warsaw Defence Plan runs for three years and sets out joint work on military exercises, air defence, naval programmes and ammunition production. Poland and the UK are NATO members and maintain bilateral defence cooperation under the Northolt Treaty.