Poland pushes for permanent US military base on its territory

Poland has formally proposed the creation of a new permanent United States military base on its territory, as Warsaw seeks to reinforce the American military presence on NATO’s eastern flank amid uncertainty over future US deployments in Europe.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said he had submitted the proposal to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Defence Matters reports.

“I have submitted to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth an official proposal to create a new permanent base for American troops in Poland,” he wrote on X. “A safe Poland means a strong army, a strong society, and also strong alliances.”

According to Polish media reports, Kosiniak-Kamysz said Washington’s involvement in Polish security was not decreasing and could become “even greater”.

The proposal comes as Poland seeks clearer assurances on the future scale and structure of the US military presence in the country. Around 10,000 US troops are currently stationed in Poland, mostly on a rotational basis, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

The existing US footprint includes the forward headquarters of the US Army’s V Corps in Poznań, logistical and infrastructure sites, air facilities, and the Aegis Ashore missile defence system in Redzikowo, which became operational in 2024 as part of NATO’s missile defence architecture.

Poland’s request follows reports of a delayed US troop deployment to the country. US Vice President JD Vance said in May that a deployment had been postponed, though he stressed it should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from Europe. Reuters reported that Polish officials were told the delay was temporary and no decision had been made to reduce troop numbers.

Kosiniak-Kamysz has repeatedly said there is no plan to reduce US forces in Poland, noting that Warsaw is engaged in consultations on future deployments.

Poland argues its geographic position and defence spending make it a key location for US forces. The country borders Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, and has become a major logistics hub for aid to Ukraine since 2022. Warsaw plans to spend 4.8% of GDP on defence this year, the highest in NATO.

Public opinion remains divided, with 44.1% supporting a new base and 40.9% opposing it. Russia has previously criticised NATO infrastructure in Poland, including the Redzikowo site, which Moscow claims threatens its security.

By Vafa Guliyeva