Poland, UK agree to develop advanced defence capabilities

A number of priority projects agreed between Poland and the UK will see the countries jointly develop “next generation” missiles and enhance their wider defence cooperation, amid broader European efforts to strengthen security. 

Announced by the UK Government on 27 May, the projects build on the foundation of a new treaty, signed between Poland and the UK on the same day, which focused on strengthened defence collaboration.  

Overall, the projects are intended to be a “step change” in how the countries counter threats. 

One project in particular is designed to position Poland and the UK as “joint European leaders” in the development and manufacturing of advanced missiles. The countries say that they will jointly increase capabilities “across air-to-air, ground-based air defence, and land arenas”.  

This new agreement continues a pattern of cooperation established between the UK and other European nations. An agreement in 2025 saw Germany and the UK agree to jointly develop deep precision strike missiles that can travel up to 2,000km. Additionally, in May 2017, France and the UK initiated a programme to replace ageing ‘Storm Shadow’ missiles with newer, more stealthy and high-speed variants, before expanding the partnership to include Italy in 2023.  

Enhanced collaboration in Europe 

Through the new projects, Poland and the UK have also agreed to reciprocally support one another’s defence industries. This includes improving defence procurement coordination to “support joint capability planning” and increase the production capacity of large-calibre ammunition via government-enabled knowledge and technology transfer.  

Additionally, large-scale exercises will enable Poland and the UK to strengthen interoperability, with a focus on counter-UAS capabilities, electronic warfare, and missile defence. 

Other projects agreed between the two countries will focus on bolstering maritime security, protecting against the malign use of drones, and more.  

The countries have also agreed to enhanced collaboration in quantum research, as well as cooperation on space activities, including via the European Space Agency.