STORY
The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence, with plans to explore new capabilities to counter airborne threats and encourage fresh manufacturing capacity in Europe, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The agreement includes expanded joint training in virtual environments aimed at improving coordination between the two countries’ air defences without the cost and risks associated with live exercises. The training will be delivered through a UK-led NATO initiative known as DIAMOND, designed to strengthen integrated air and missile operational defences across the alliance.
Alongside the missile defence element, both countries have also signed up to enhanced helicopter training cooperation. From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots are set to begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe programme, joined by two experienced Polish instructors who will be stationed at RAF Shawbury for a rotational tour.
The announcement was made as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted Polish President Karol Nawrocki in Downing Street, with Defence Secretary John Healey describing Poland as a crucial ally on NATO’s eastern flank at a time of rising security threats.