Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III praised Poland’s leadership in supporting Ukraine’s defense during a meeting with Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Pentagon. Austin highlighted Poland’s significant role in the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, particularly in overseeing the coalition focused on armor and maneuver capabilities critical for Ukraine’s security.
Austin emphasized Poland’s understanding of the broader security threat posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine, noting the country’s vital logistics support and military assistance to Ukraine. He also lauded Poland’s ongoing military modernization efforts, including the recent rollout of Poland’s first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet and the acquisition of nearly 100 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which strengthens Poland’s defensive capabilities and enhances interoperability with NATO allies.
Kosiniak-Kamysz echoed the importance of the U.S.-Poland relationship in addressing growing security challenges, particularly those posed by Russia and Belarus, and expressed gratitude for the continued commitment to NATO’s collective defense.–News Desk