Poland deploys over 10,000 US servicemen, strengthening strategic partnership

Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that there are more than 10,000 US servicemen in Poland.

The defence minister emphasised that the presence of US servicemen in Poland is a crucial element of the strategic partnership between the two nations, Caliber.Az reports per Polish media.

"The deployment of 10,000 US servicemen in Poland, some of whom are stationed here permanently, reflects this important relationship," the minister said.

He noted that "Poland is a reliable, steadfast ally of the US, and the US is a reliable, unwavering ally of Poland."

At present, the highest-ranking US command in Poland is the forward headquarters of the 5th US Army Corps, located in Poznań. This command coordinates the operations of US forces throughout the region.

Meanwhile, the Poland-US relations play a crucial role in the security framework of NATO, particularly in strengthening the Alliance's eastern flank. The US military presence in Poland, exemplified by the deployment of the Armored Brigade Combat Group (ABCT) and its supporting elements such as the Combat Aviation Brigade, missile defence systems like the one in Redzikowo, and military infrastructure projects like ammunition depots in Powidz, highlights the robust ties between the two nations.

On August 15, 2020, Mariusz Blaszczak, former Minister of National Defence, and Michael Pompeo, former US Secretary of State, signed an agreement to increase the permanent presence of US servicemen in Poland. The agreement was signed in the presence of President of  Poland Andrzej Duda.

Since the NATO Summit in Warsaw, successive Alliance summits have continued implementing key decisions that are bolstered by American efforts to enhance NATO's defence and deterrence capabilities.

One such initiative is the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), which aims to reinforce NATO's eastern boundary by deploying US forces, such as the 3,500-strong Armored Brigade Combat Group, along with logistical support, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The strengthening of the US military presence in Poland is not limited to combat forces. It includes enhanced reconnaissance and command systems, as well as the infrastructure needed to support additional forces in times of crisis. This cooperation underscores the close Polish-American military partnership, which remains at its strongest point in history.

In conclusion, these efforts demonstrate the durability of the transatlantic alliance and the key role of US military presence in ensuring the security of NATO's eastern flank, especially in response to evolving security challenges in Europe.

By Aghakazim Guliyev