On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz participated in a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, as well as in accompanying events. The main topics discussed by the defense ministers included defense spending, support for Ukraine in its ongoing defense effort, security on NATO’s eastern flank, and preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Turkey.
Photo: corporal Wojciech Król/MON
“We see the response of the European Union, a response that Poland has given first – radically raising defence spending. I would like to remind you that in four years we have tripled our defence budget, from around 60 billion in 2022 to 200 billion this year. We are the foremost leader of growth. Every country fulfils the 2% obligation now. Much was accelerated, especially the vector of Polish security aimed at the Baltic Sea. What did the United States Secretary of War say? A very important thing, that we will never be alone. He appreciates what Poland is doing for security and investment in defence spending,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“Poland responds positively everywhere. We spend 5% of GDP for defence, investments, military mobility. One of the topics was a discussion of the active Arctic Sentry operation. Each country was asked to reflect on its contribution to this operation. Just like we benefit from the input of some countries in the Eastern Sentry operation – there are dedicated planes, helicopters, anti-drone capabilities – here it is also an allied mission,” the Minister of National Defense added.
Bilateral cooperation and collaboration between the Polish and Swedish defense industries were the main topics of Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz’s talks with Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
“I had the opportunity for a few bilateral meetings, including with the minister of defence of Sweden. Soon the king of Sweden will visit Poland, along with almost the entire government. We will be showing the next stages of the ORKA programme – acquisition of three submarines for the Polish Navy. I have also spoken with the secretary of defence of the United Kingdom. And I have spoken to the ministers of defence of France and Germany,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.
During his stay in Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz also signed letters of intent with allied countries concerning cooperation in strengthening defense capabilities. The first, signed jointly with the defense ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, concerns cooperation on developing long-range strike system capabilities. Another letter of intent, signed with Slovakia and Norway, covers cooperation in the development of fires capabilities, knowledge exchange, doctrine development, and interoperability within NATO.
“We have signed an important letter of intent on long-range strikes capabilities, for precise, far-reaching attacks – over 500 kilometres. This is absolutely one of the two key pursuits of NATO and Poland – one is drone and anti-drone systems, the other is long-range, precise strikes. These are the two most important elements of deterrence and defence and the relevant strategy, of Poland and NATO. We need the development of such initiatives. Along with Norway, we have accessed the training space proposed by Slovakia, a place of practice for just such long-range strikes on Slovakian training grounds. Ten countries have already joined, and Poland and Norway are joining today,” – said the Minister.
At NATO Headquarters, the Minister of National Defense also signed additional letters of intent under which Poland, together with its allies, will develop capabilities related to air forces, drone capabilities, and security in the maritime domain.
