Poland pitches new permanent US military base
Poland has submitted an official proposal to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish a new, permanent American military base on its soil, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced on Wednesday.
"The US commitment to Poland's security is not diminishing - on the contrary, it could become even greater." Kosiniak-Kamysz wrote on X. He added that "a secure Poland means a strong army, a strong society, and strong alliances."
Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw later that day, Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the formal letter sent to Hegseth is the direct result of a coordinated "diplomatic offensive" launched by the Polish government in May. This included high-level talks between Kosiniak-Kamysz and the Pentagon chief, as well as working visits by Polish deputy defence ministers to Washington. He also said that the push is supported by the positive diplomatic relations between Polish President Karol Nawrocki and US President Donald Trump.
However, Kosiniak-Kamysz urged caution against "excessive euphoria," saying that final decisions regarding the base have not yet been made and that current discussions remain in the planning phases. Nevertheless, he told reporters that negotiations are "on the right track," and that Poland is preparing to offer attractive conditions to increase American military presence in the country.
Asked about Washington's stance on the matter, he said that the American side welcomes the initiative but expects further technical details, which the defence ministry is actively preparing. The Pentagon, he added, is also looking for a firm financial commitment from Warsaw.
Kosiniak-Kamysz further said that the Polish government is already analysing the required funding, adding that Poland currently invests USD 15,000 annually per individual American soldier stationed on its territory.
"We will do everything we can to increase the presence of American troops," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. "We will create conditions that will be highly attractive to our American partner." (PAP)
mmr/jd
