The UK and Poland have agreed under a new Warsaw Defence Plan to expand cooperation on air defence missiles, large-calibre ammunition production, and drone technologies. The agreement strengthens NATO deterrence against Russian threats on Europe's eastern flank.
What's happening
- BAE Systems and Poland's PGZ will jointly expand large-calibre ammunition manufacturing capacity and capability.
- The UK and Poland will collaborate on developing next-generation air defence missiles and pursue closer procurement coordination.
- Joint drone and counter-drone development will address threats to civilians and critical infrastructure.
- Naval cooperation will draw on experience from the British Type 31 and Polish Miecznik frigate programmes, which share a common design.
Why it matters
- Expanded ammunition production by BAE Systems and PGZ increases NATO supply capacity on the eastern flank amid sustained Ukraine conflict.
- Coordinated air defence missile procurement, building on Poland's Narew system purchases from MBDA UK, creates standardized capability across allies.
- Joint drone development addresses emerging threats to NATO infrastructure and establishes integrated counter-drone doctrine.
- Shared frigate design experience accelerates naval modernization and interoperability for Baltic Sea operations.
Going deeper
- The Warsaw Defence Plan represents the first phase of the UK-Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty signed by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
- Cooperation includes cyber security and resilience measures to protect military and civilian sites from Russian attack.
- Both countries will continue joint NATO exercises including Steadfast Defender, Polish Dragon and Joint Warrior to prepare for counter-drone and electronic warfare missions.
- A Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland next month will involve thousands of personnel preparing the Multinational Force Ukraine for military training and post-war rebuilding.
The fine print
- The agreement's financial value remains undisclosed.
- Ammunition production expansion capability and timeline are not specified.
- Specific air defence missile development timelines and technical requirements are not detailed.
Source: defence-industry.eu · Oct 27, 2026 · Drafted with Claude, reviewed by Industrial Base Alpha.
