The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence and expand helicopter training links, as both countries look to strengthen their ability to counter airborne threats across NATO’s eastern flank.
The agreement was announced during a meeting in Downing Street between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Polish President Karol Nawrocki, with the Ministry of Defence confirming that the two allies will explore closer collaboration on both training and future capability development.
As part of the arrangement, the UK and Poland will examine options for the joint development and procurement of new air and missile defence capabilities, alongside ways to encourage additional manufacturing capacity within Europe. The focus is on countering a broad range of aerial threats, including missiles and aircraft, amid rising concern over Russia’s long-term military posture. The two militaries will also increase the use of virtual and synthetic training environments to improve coordination between air defence forces. According to the Ministry of Defence, this approach is intended to enhance operational effectiveness while reducing the cost and risk associated with live-fire exercises. The work will sit within the UK-led NATO initiative Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences, known as DIAMOND.
Alongside air defence cooperation, the UK and Poland agreed to expand helicopter training links under NATO Flight Training Europe. From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots will begin training in the UK, supported by two experienced Polish instructors who will be permanently based at RAF Shawbury for a full rotational tour. The pilots will undertake advanced helicopter training at RAF Shawbury, preparing them for operational roles flying attack helicopters. The Ministry of Defence said the move would deepen interoperability between the two forces and strengthen long-term cooperation.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the agreement reflected the growing defence relationship between London and Warsaw.
“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,” he said. “This new cooperation we have announced today will see more joint training and integration between our two militaries.”
He added that the agreement was intended to reinforce European security in the face of Russian aggression.
“It is another example of how the UK and Poland are stepping up to defend Europe and face down the threat from Putin,” Healey said.
The Ministry of Defence noted that Poland is one of the UK’s closest military partners in eastern Europe, with more than 350 British personnel currently deployed in the country. British and Polish pilots are already operating together as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, which provides air policing and protection of Polish and allied airspace.
Poland buys new Kit a lot of it, we just think about it. Is the start of yet another project? lucky us.
Any update on CAMM MR?
Such a missile will be a real game changer for our Sky Sabre batteries and frigates.
It’s still alive as of DSEI25, so I think it’s progressing slowly and steadily.
I suspect this is it and that the DIP will include a commitment to CAMM-MR in principle even if it gets no funding.
As Leh said MBDA showed it at DSEI and the twin packing in mk41 is confirmed. I’ve still never seen it in a standalone canister though which is odd.
Talk Talk Talk HMG 😴