A new repair and logistics centre has opened today in Czosnów, Poland, utilising UK expertise to help protect Poland's airspace. The facility, opened by UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP and Polish Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Zalewski, is part of the UK's commitment to protecting NATO's eastern flank against Russian aggression.
UK personnel will work alongside Polish counterparts at the site, which will enable faster and more direct maintenance, support, and training for Poland's multi-billion-pound PILICA+ programme. This programme aims to build an integrated air defence network for Poland in conjunction with the UK.
The development of the centre will also support jobs in the UK, with more than 400 MBDA staff in Bristol, Stevenage, and Bolton working on programmes that support Poland's defence. MBDA's expanded presence in Poland is expected to drive innovation and investment into the Czosnów region and reinforce stability across NATO's eastern flank.
Minister Pollard stated that stronger Polish air defences mean stronger NATO air defences, and this work also backs jobs in both nations. The opening follows the Security and Defence Partnership Treaty signed by the UK and Poland in May this year, which aims to deepen cooperation across defence, security, and economic resilience.