Arctic Sentry, defence spending and continued strengthening of defensive capabilities on the agenda of the meeting of NATO ministers of defence
12.02.2026
- 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 the deputy prime minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz.
On Thursday, 12 February, the deputy prime minister – minister of national defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz took part in a meeting of the NATO ministers of defence, in the North Atlantic Alliance headquarters in Brussels, and in side events. Among the main topics were matters related to defence spending, support for attacked Ukraine, security on the eastern flank of NATO and preparations for the NATO summit in Türkiye.
- 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
- said the minister of national defence.
Bilateral cooperation and the cooperation of defence industries of Poland and Sweden were the main topic of the deputy prime minister’s W. Kosiniak-Kamysz talks with Pål Jonson, the minister of defence of Sweden.
- 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.
The deputy prime minister – minister of national defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has also signed letters of intent with allies during his visit in Brussels, regarding cooperation in strengthening defensive capabilities. The first letter, signed along with the ministers of defence of France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Great Britain, concerns the cooperation to build capabilities for long-range strikes. Another letter of intent, signed along with Slovakia and Norway, speaks of the cooperation with regards to the development of fires capabilities, the exchange of knowledge, developing doctrines 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 of national defence.
In the NATO headquarters, the minister of national defence has also signed letters of intent, thanks to which Poland and its allies will develop capabilities regarding the Air Force, drones and security in the naval domain.