Description: The Polish Defense Ministry has confirmed the upcoming $2 billion defensive bilateral pact between the US and Poland within the Wisla cooperation program. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has become the defensive pillar of NATO’s Eastern Flank and ramped up military spending to 4.1% of its GDP. The defense pact would undertake the additional supply of Patriot defense systems, training and maintenance. The Patriot system is known to be able to counter short – range tactical ballistic missiles with an emphasis on its ability to counter maneuvering missiles which could carry nuclear warheads. Poland’s pact with the US exemplifies the country’s commitment to spearhead Europe’s rearmament in light of a potential threat from Russian agression.
Impact: Poland continues to bolster its defensive capabilities among growing threats from Russia and Belarus. The country’s ramped up rearmament is also largely supported by the newly founded coalition of the willing between France and the UK which announced Europe’s defensive independence. Commitment from the US signals their intention to focus on multilateral partnerships within the NATO alliance in spite of ever-changing relations between Trump and Putin. US President Donald Trump is unlikely to deliver on its threat to leave NATO despite constant criticism which targeted most NATO members and their low defensive spending. Poland would most likely continue to lead the proverbial arms race which is evolving on the European continent if progress isn’t made on the Russia – Ukraine peace talks.