Britain and Poland have signed a three-year defence cooperation plan aimed at strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, expanding joint military training and developing new missile, drone and cyber capabilities.
The Warsaw Defence Plan was signed in Warsaw on 27 October 2026 by UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Both governments say the agreement sets out the first phase of practical cooperation under their wider UK–Poland Security and Defence Partnership Treaty.
Missiles, drones and cyber defence
The Ministry of Defence says the two countries will cooperate on the manufacture and development of next-generation air defence missiles, as well as drone and counter-drone technologies intended to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The plan also includes closer cyber-security cooperation and measures to improve resilience against hostile activity.
The Polish government highlighted work on long-range precision capabilities, artificial intelligence and training to counter hybrid threats. The announcements describe planned cooperation; they do not establish that new systems have already entered service.
Warships, ammunition and Baltic security
The partners intend to exchange lessons from their Type 31 and Miecznik frigate programmes, which share a common design, and increase defensive maritime exercises and coordination in the Baltic Sea.
Britain’s BAE Systems and Poland’s PGZ are expected to expand cooperation on large-calibre ammunition production. The two governments also plan closer procurement coordination, defence-industry training and workforce exchanges, building on existing cooperation involving Poland’s Narew air defence programme.
NATO exercises and support for Ukraine
The agreement envisages continued participation in major exercises including Steadfast Defender, Polish Dragon and Joint Warrior. The UK Ministry of Defence also announced plans for a Coalition of the Willing exercise in Poland in November involving thousands of personnel, intended to prepare for potential support to Ukraine’s post-war training and reconstruction.
Both governments linked the agreement to their assessment of Russian threats and reaffirmed support for Ukraine. Their announcements describe deterrence, readiness and future cooperation; they do not announce a new British combat deployment to Ukraine.
A three-year plan within an existing partnership
The Warsaw document is an implementation plan for an existing bilateral security partnership, rather than the creation of a new military alliance. The UK and Poland are already NATO members, and specific procurement commitments, costs and delivery timetables will depend on subsequent decisions.