Hegseth, Polish Counterpart Announce Intent to Boost Military Cooperation

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's deputy prime minister and defense minister, during a bilateral engagement today at the Pentagon.

At the meeting's outset, both leaders announced their intent to sign an agreement aimed at increasing military cooperation between their respective countries.

"Today, we're taking the next steps in our alliance," Hegseth said. "The deputy prime minister and I will sign a statement of intent to increase bilateral defense and industrial cooperation scale and speed in real time."

When speaking about the agreement, Kosiniak-Kamysz said it would pave the way for future military projects.

"Our joint investment translates into a significant strengthening of defense potential, and the practical implementation of the secure theory of victory … as well as [the NATO 3.0] concept," he said.

The concept of NATO 3.0 envisions a strategic rebalancing of the alliance in which European nations assume primary responsibility for their own conventional defense, allowing the U.S. to reduce its troop presence on the continent and shift focus to other regions, such as the Pacific. 

Hegseth praised Poland's embrace of this rebalance, stating that NATO 3.0 will represent a European-led conventional defense that refocuses on warfighting and credible deterrence for denial defense of allied territory, which is an area he said Poland has been leading by example.

"Whether it's committing to nearly 5% of [gross domestic product] to defense and translating that investment into ready forces and sustained combat power, Poland is building one of the most formidable armies in Europe, ready to secure and defend its territory," Hegseth said.

He added that Poland is strengthening its borders by making historic investments in tanks, F-35 Lightning II strike fighters, AH-64 Apache helicopters and Patriot missile systems.

"You are building a fully modernized, interoperable force, and our two nations are also … giving military cooperation industrial depth as well," Hegseth told his counterpart.

Stating that Europe is currently operating in an environment of challenges and threats - including Russia's consistent aggression toward Ukraine - Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Poland is "not standing still" when it comes to investment in defense.

"As you said, Poland spends nearly 5% of GDP on defense, [expanding] the defense industry, and consistently provides armed forces of the Republic of Poland with necessary capabilities," he said. "The core of the purchases consists of American-made weapon systems."

In addition to expressing appreciation for the forthcoming signing of the statement of intent between the two countries, Kosiniak-Kamysz also thanked Hegseth and the War Department for working to expand the presence of U.S. troops in Poland.

"I would like to thank you for your commitment to the process of implementing President Donald [J.] Trump's declaration on the deployment of [an] additional 5,000 soldiers to the territory of the Republic of Poland," he said.

He went on to explain that War Department representatives and the Polish Ministry of National Defense are presently discussing strengthening the permanent U.S. military presence in Poland.

"I am convinced that the details will be announced publicly very soon," the defense minister added.

Additionally, Kosiniak-Kamysz said his country is grateful for the recent announcement that Poland would be the host nation for the upcoming European Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile maintenance facility - which is intended to establish regional maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities directly within the European theater, thus shortening turnaround times and further securing critical supply lines.

Calling that announcement a historic decision that means a lot for Poland, Kosiniak-Kamysz said the new facility will also be of key importance for the security of NATO's eastern flank.

"It demonstrates the strength of the transatlantic bond, our serious approach to investing in defense capabilities and to assuming greater responsibility for the security of our continent," he said.