Britain and Poland have strengthened defence cooperation with the opening of a new MBDA missile logistics facility supporting Poland’s air defence…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The UK and Poland have strengthened their defence partnership with the opening of a new MBDA missile logistics facility in Czosnów, Poland.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP joined Polish Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Zalewski to officially open the centre, which will support Poland’s efforts to protect its airspace.
UK personnel will work alongside Polish counterparts at the facility, providing maintenance, support and training for Poland’s PILICA+ air defence programme. The project forms part of wider cooperation between the two countries to develop an integrated air defence network.
The facility will also support jobs in the UK. More than 400 MBDA staff in Britain are working on programmes supporting Poland’s defence, with jobs linked to sites in Bristol, Stevenage and Bolton.
The expanded MBDA presence in Poland is expected to support investment and innovation in the Czosnów region while contributing to NATO’s eastern flank.
Minister for defence readiness and industry luke pollard mp said:“The uk is proud to stand alongside poland as a close friend, trusted ally, and partner in security, industry collaboration and defence.” Stronger polish air defences means stronger nato air defences, and that work is taking place while also backing jobs in both nations.”
MBDA UK Managing Director Chris Allam said the new site demonstrated the company’s role in supporting national defence capabilities and cooperation between NATO partners.
The opening comes as the UK and Poland continue work on the NAREW air defence programme, worth more than £4 billion. The programme will deliver more than 1,000 air defence missiles and over 100 launchers to Poland, while supporting the country’s development of sovereign missile manufacturing capability.
The two countries are also cooperating through the MIECZNIK programme, which involves the co-development of three Arrowhead-design frigates for Poland. The vessels are similar to Babcock’s Type 31 frigates being built for the Royal Navy.
Pollard is also due to visit MSPO, described as central Europe’s largest defence show, where 38 UK defence companies are presenting their technologies.
The latest developments follow the Security and Defence Partnership Treaty signed by Britain and Poland in May, which is intended to deepen cooperation on defence, security and economic resilience.
The UK government has also committed £298 billion over four years through its Defence Investment Plan, aimed at strengthening national security and the NATO alliance.
