Defence Secretary announces UK commitment to Poland
The Defence Secretary has announced that the UK will commit nearly 1,000 personnel to NATO exercises taking place in Poland.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon speaking in Edinburgh. Crown Copyright.
Mr Fallon’s announcement, made today after meeting with Polish Minister of National Defence Antoni Macierewicz in Edinburgh, underlines the important partnership between the two countries.
They discussed the UK and Poland’s defence and security relationship, and how the countries can face shared challenges.
For Exercise Anakonda, the UK will commit a Battlegroup of around 800 military personnel. For Exercise Swift Response, the UK will commit 150 personnel to elements of a Brigade HQ, Battlegroup HQ and a Company.
The Defence Secretary will also confirm that the UK will commit a battlegroup of around 1,000 personnel to the Polish-led Very High Readiness Joint Task Force in 2020.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
The long history between our countries is deeply rooted. This troop commitment demonstrates the UK’s vital work with NATO allies, including Poland, to ensure our collective forces are primed and ready, and sends a clear message to our allies that we are ready to respond to any threat.
In the maritime environment, the frigate HMS Iron Duke will visit Poland as part of NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group this summer. The helicopter carrier HMS Ocean will also participate in Exercise BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea over the summer and a Royal Navy minehunter is due to visit Poland in the autumn.
British and Polish troops training together on a previous Exercise Anakonda. Crown Copyright.