On Wednesday, April the 20th , Minister M. Błaszczak met in Washington with US Secretary of Defence L. Austin. During the talks, issues related to Polish-American military cooperation, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the security situation on NATO's Eastern flank and Europe, the deepening of military interoperability and the American military presence in Poland were raised.

“We talked about the presence of US troops in Poland. Within a few days, troops of the 82nd Division were deployed from the USA. This is an example of good cooperation. Polish anti-aircraft forces were strengthened by two Patriot batteries, which were plugged into the Polish anti-aircraft defence system, which for me is a certificate of interoperability. We are open to further cooperation. The presence of US troops in Poland is the best deterrent" - Minister Blaszczak said in Washington.

As the head of the Ministry of National Defence emphasized, especially today it should be borne in mind that strengthening Poland's defence capabilities means strengthening the defence capabilities of the entire Eastern flank of NATO.

After Russia's aggression against Ukraine, in support of NATO's Eastern flank, the United States sent an additional 5,000 troops from the 82nd US Airborne Division to south-eastern Poland. Together with these forces, the number of American troops in Poland exceeds 10,000. soldiers. Additionally, the Americans have deployed two Patriot batteries in Poland.

During the talks, the head of the Ministry of National Defence thanked the secretary of defence for his support so far to strengthen military cooperation. If it were not for the personal involvement of the secretary of defence, as emphasized by the head of the Ministry of National Defence, Poland would not have been able to purchase ABRAMS tanks in the most modern version. Minister M. Błaszczak informed during the talks about the possibility of accelerating the already ordered military equipment. Poland has so far ordered, among others PATRIOT system, HIMARS missiles, F35 planes, ABRAMS tanks.

The acquired ABRAMS tanks will be sent to the 18th Mechanized Division, which is a very important element of our country's defence system. They will strengthen the eastern part of Poland. Together with the tanks, Poland will also receive a logistics and training package. Simulators will also be purchased. Military repair companies will ensure the operation of ABRAMS tanks.

During his visit to Washington, the minister announced that he would soon send letters to the Pentagon that would initiate the procedure for ordering further lots of military equipment for Poland.

"We are talking about the next deliveries of HIMARS missiles, we are also talking about the next squadrons of multi-purpose combat aircraft, we will soon talk about attack helicopters, unmanned aircraft, that is about everything that is needed to strengthen the Polish defence system"

- said the head of the Ministry of National Defence.

The topics of the talks also included issues related to the situation in Ukraine after Russia's aggression against that country.

“We all know that Poland supports Ukraine in many dimensions. We help by providing humanitarian aid. We welcome refugees. We believe that a free and independent Ukraine is one of the guarantees of Poland's independence"

- said Minister M. Błaszczak.

As the head of the Ministry of National Defence noted, Poland and the USA speak with one voice when it comes to issues related to aid for Ukraine. The minister also pointed to the need to develop strong sanctions against Russia.

The secretary of defence L. Austin expressed words of appreciation towards Poland for the commitment to help Ukraine so far and solidarity.

"In the face of aggression against Ukraine, Poland demonstrates the spirit of the slogan" for our freedom and yours ". (...) Poland plays an" absolutely key "role, enabling the shipment of weapons to Ukraine, as well as providing Ukraine with military aid on its own. (...) Perhaps most importantly, Poles opened their hearts and homes to millions of Ukrainians fleeing violence"

- said US  Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin before the meeting with Minister Mariusz Błaszczak.

At the meeting in the Pentagon, matters that will be raised in June this year were also discussed at the NATO summit in Madrid, concerning the strengthening of NATO's Eastern flank.
 

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