On Friday, February the 18th,  the head of the Ministry of National Defence met with Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defence. The meeting began with bilateral talks at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence. During the meeting were raised the issues concerning, among others, mutual cooperation in the field of defence and partnership relations in the field of security.

„Our meeting is  very special, especially now, in the light of the international security crisis caused by Russia. I do appreciate the presence of US troops in Poland. Your support in these difficult times is a proof of responsibility and steadfast commitment to the security of Poland and Europe. The Polish troops, first of all, protect the security of the Homeland, but also the Eastern flank of NATO and the EU, which is why the allied support of the United States is important and necessary for us” - emphasized Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defence after the meeting.

The meeting of the US Secretary of Defence with the head of the Polish Ministry of Defence is part of a series of diplomatic visits related to the exacerbating situation on the Ukrainian-Russian border. During his visit to Poland, the Secretary of Defence also announced the commencement of the next stage in the process of purchasing Abrams tanks by Poland.

“We are also the partners in developing Poland defence capabilities. Poland has chosen F35 fight aircrafts, Patriot air defence batteries and and missile systems. Today, I am proud to announce another step in this growing partnership. In response to Poland’s formal request in July of 2021, Secretary Blinken and I have relayed our intent to Congress to offer Poland the opportunity to acquire 250 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. The timeframe for delivery of the tanks is currently under discussion. This is the most modern version of the Abrams and  will provide Poland with highly advanced tank  capability. It also strengthen our interoperability with the Polish Armed Forces. Boosting the credibility of our combined deterrence efforts and those with other NATO allies” - the US Secretary of Defence said.

“Poland's purchase of Abrams M1A2 tanks will help ensure a fairer distribution of the responsibilities within the alliance, all in the name of our collective defence. This is an extremely important strengthening of our defence capabilities and one of the most important armaments contracts in the history of Poland” -  said Minister M. Błaszczak.

On July the 14th , 2021, Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński and Minister Mariusz Błaszczak provided details of the contract for the acquisition of M1A2 ABRAMS SEPv3 tanks by the Polish Armed Forces. Poland is going to  acquire 250 tanks of the 3rd generation ABRAMS M1A2 SEPv3. It is the most technologically advanced version of the ABRAMS tank, which entered equipment in 2019-2020. The acquired III generation ABRAMS M1A2 SEPv3 tanks will be directed to the 18th Mechanized Division, which is a very important element in our country's defence system. Modern tanks will strengthen eastern Poland. They will be equipped with a system that allows for cooperation with HIMARS launchers and F-35 aircrafts. Tanks also have the ability to use programmable ammunition. Along with the 3rd generation ABRAMS M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, Poland will also receive a logistics and training package.

“Russia's imperialist policy requires from us and all allies comprehensive deterrence and defence measures. We have received additional American troops to strengthen NATO's Eastern flank, and there are also additional British soldiers in Poland. We support them and we will cooperate as long as necessary. Thank you for this strengthening of the US military presence in Poland, as well as for the declaration of the possibility of further strengthening, both by NATO and the US, if necessary” -  said the head of the Polish Ministry of Defence after the talks.

During his speech, Secretary Austin emphasized the role of the partnership of both countries in strengthening Poland's defence capabilities of security on the Eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance.

“The deployment of  thousands Russian forces in Belarus, in addition to the thousands surrounding Ukraine to the east and south put some of those forces within 200miles  out Polish border. If Russia further invade Ukraine, Poland could see tens of thousands of Ukrainians and others crossing the border trying to save themselves and their families from the scared of war. To be clear, as I said yesterday in Brussels, there is still time and space for diplomacy. The United States, along with allies and partners, including Poland, has offered Mr Putin a path away from crisis and towards greater security. Whatever path he chooses, United States and  allies  and  partners will be ready. We will certainly stand shoulder to shoulder with the victims of aggression and we will assist Ukraine in building its defence capabilities. (…)It is ironic what Mr. Putin did not want to see happen was a stronger NATO on his flank. That's what exactly he will see going forward” - the head of the Pentagon said during the press conference.

Both sides emphasize that the community of Western states is currently facing the most serious security crisis in many years.

“We are currently facing major challenges - we are at the edge of the most serious security crisis since the end of World War II. NATO unity and cooperation is the best response to Russia's aggressive behaviour. Russia's imperialist policy requires from us and all allies comprehensive deterrence and defence measures " - said the head of the Ministry of National Defence.

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