The United Kingdom and Poland have agreed to deepen defence cooperation in a move set to significantly strengthen their ability to counter air and missile threats, as London and Warsaw
respond to a more volatile security environment in Europe.
Under the new agreement, both countries will expand joint training and explore the development and procurement of advanced air and missile defence capabilities. The partnership will also examine ways to boost defence manufacturing capacity within Europe, reinforcing NATO’s long-term resilience.
A key element of the deal will see British and Polish forces training together in advanced virtual environments. These simulations will allow the two militaries to sharpen air defence coordination without the cost and risk associated with live-fire exercises. The initiative will be delivered through DIAMOND — the UK-led NATO programme focused on integrated air and missile operational networked defences — and is aimed at strengthening Euro-Atlantic security.
The announcement was made during talks at Downing Street between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki, where both leaders also confirmed an expansion of helicopter training cooperation.
From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. They will be supported by two experienced Polish helicopter instructors, who will be permanently based at RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour. The pilots will receive advanced, world-class instruction, preparing them for future roles flying attack helicopters.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The UK and Poland’s defence relationship has never been stronger. Standing strong on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland is a crucial ally for the UK in this era of rising threats.
This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries.
It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin”.
The deal comes as the UK increases defence spending to record levels, with £270 billion allocated during the current parliament — the largest uplift since the Cold War.
Poland remains one of the UK’s closest military partners in Europe. More than 350 British personnel are currently deployed across the country, while British and Polish pilots fly side by side on NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, protecting Polish and allied airspace.
Defence industry ties are also expanding rapidly, with UK-Polish collaboration worth around £8 billion to the UK over the past three years — underlining the growing role of defence as both a security priority and an engine for economic growth. Photo by Adrian Grycuk, Wikimedia commons.