UK and Poland to launch new defence treaty

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-and-poland-to-launch-new-defence-treaty/

by tree_boom

15 comments

  1. Only good things happen when the UK and Poland form defence treaties

  2. Poland is fast becoming the strongest power in the EU, particularly in terms of ground forces, and is one of the most important players in keeping Russia in check. A closer alliance with them (and Finland) should be one of our primary military aims. If the US does pull out of NATO or hesitate in the face of war, these two countries will be the most crucial.

  3. [Government announcement here](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-and-poland-to-launch-new-defence-and-security-treaty-in-warsaw)

    > The treaty aims to:
    >
    > Bolster defence collaboration to counter Russian aggression, disinformation, and hybrid threats.
    > Address illegal migration by tackling organised immigration crime and people smuggling gangs.
    > Secure energy supplies and critical infrastructure for both nations.

    Presumably a similar effort to the Anglo-French [Lancaster House Treaties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancaster_House_Treaties) and Anglo-German [Trinity House Agreements](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-germany-trinity-house-agreement-on-defence-joint-communique). I wonder what house we’re using this time. Poland is something of an up-and-comer in European defence frameworks. 10th largest economy, 7th largest population (ignoring Russia, who for obvious reasons doesn’t count, but counting Turkiye who for similar reasons does) and they’re probably the state taking Russia most seriously after the Baltic three which is leading to quite a serious expansion in their armed forces, some of which they’re tapping the UK for expertise in. We’re already collaborating with Poland in improvements to [CAMM](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAMM_(missile_family)) which is the SAM used by the Army and Navy as well as the Polish Army, they will also be using it with [their variant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_31_frigate#Polish_Navy_%E2%80%93_Wicher_class) of the Type 31 frigates. Further collaboration can only be a good thing in my view;.

  4. Keir does seem to be getting on with things and not making a song and dance about it. Maybe he should. They certainly ought communicate things they’re doing to the public more. Perhaps it’s the media who don’t communicate it.

  5. Good shit.

    Poland are a bastion and long-standing allies, often taking sensible steps even when unpopular.

  6. It’s funny the US thinks the EU can’t take on Russia alone; have they not seen the bloody nose and black eye Ukraine has given them already? We might not be part of the EU anymore for better or worse, but we’re still European and can show both Russia and the US what we’re capable of on our own. I love Poland just for how brash their politics are, and they don’t mince words, like their PM telling the EU “don’t tell us about defence spending or refugee targets; we took in all Ukrainian refugees and were sending tanks while Germany was still talking about sending helmets”. They don’t seem to be antagonistic or a sleeper-agent for Putin like Hungary and Orbán are; they are just genuinely speaking truth and stating the honest facts that I wish more world leaders would do. The UK and Poland are among Ukraine’s biggest suppliers and allies, but from the UK to Poland I envy their leadership and ability to just straight-talk instead of beating around the bush and waffling the same rhetoric we usually hear from our government.

    If I was in a war, the US would be nice to have for sheer overwhelming force projection but I can’t think of a better ally to have by your side than the steely resolve of Poland and Ukraine. The US can send as much aid as it wants, but Poland has been vital in terms of vocal support and opposition to Russia as to further validate and legitimise Ukraine’s cause in the war which I’d say legitimacy is the 2nd-most important aspect besides equipment and logistics.

  7. Can someone summarise how this adds any value / benefit to the NATO defense treaties.

  8. Waiting for the UK to pull another Chambalin moment with Poland.

  9. We would need their manpower and they need our expertise.

  10. So just giving out more free things.

    > Under the programme, Poland will receive over 1,000 air missiles.

    But at least we get some parcel lockers in return.

  11. Based on history and past experience, I doubt that any military agreement with uk will work if its not.in uk favour at the time

  12. UK should launch a new defence treaty with the European Union , America can no longer be relied upon.

  13. Can’t imagine US pulling out of NATO but I can totally imagine the bugle being blown & while everyone else acts accordingly, the US will take a pause & think about it while they slander it in Congress, as the rest of NATO fights for there lives, America will finally decide to help after much time wasted and needless life & resources have been lost making it harder on themselves in the process, and risking a nuclear catastrophy at every turn while they waste time.

  14. You can tell that UK defence strategy is not run by elected officials because it’s so good.

  15. Why do I see “Ah shit, here we go again” meme in my mind?

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