A permanent US military base in Poland should be seen as an investment, not an expense, in Poland’s security, said Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on Thursday. The Deputy Prime Minister stated that its creation requires cooperation between the government, the presidential office, and parliament, as well as securing financial resources. “And that is what I would like to declare,” he added.
The head of the Ministry of National Defence (Poland) announced in Brussels on Thursday, after meeting with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, that the United States positively views the proposal to establish a permanent US military base in Poland.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said that a relevant agreement will now be negotiated. “It is always the American side that decides what the level of engagement is. We heard a very clear declaration from President Donald Trump referring to 5,000 soldiers, and we are very grateful for it, because it is a clear and strong allied signal,” said the Defence Minister.
He assured that Poland is ready to carry out the necessary investments and secure land for the American base. “I am obliged to do so by a resolution of the Council of Ministers from this week, to prepare all actions in this regard,” Kosiniak-Kamysz explained. He stressed that establishing the base is a long-term process and a multi-billion investment.
“We will cooperate with the American forces, which are assessing specific locations. I would not want to put this well-started dialogue and well-functioning cooperation between us under any pressure of ‘this or that location’. Every location in Poland for a permanent base is a very good one,” said the Defence Minister.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that establishing the base will require cooperation between the government, the presidential office, parliament, and securing financial resources. “And that is what I would like to declare,” said the Defence Minister. He added that the process will require months of discussions, negotiations, and agreements, followed by years of investment.
The Defence Minister stated that this is “the strongest weapon we can possess” and the greatest capability for deterring enemies. In his view, it should be seen as an investment – not an expense – in Poland’s security, and therefore cooperation is an “absolutely essential” condition.
Kosiniak-Kamysz also noted that during the open part of the meeting, Hegseth “clearly pointed to model allies” and there was “a clear emphasis” that Poland spends 5% of GDP on defence, supports NATO 3.0 strategy and concept, is engaged in allied defence on NATO’s eastern flank, and is building security on the eastern border of the EU and NATO through the Eastern Shield.