Poland wants permanent US troop presence amid fears over growing Russian military threat

Poland has been leading calls within NATO to boost eastern European deployments

Poland's defence minister says his country wants a permanent US military presence on its territory. In comments to Polands's TVN24 channel Tomasz Siemoniak also said that that Poland hopes to host over 10,000 troops from 'allied armed forces' for participation in military exercises this year.

The comments come following the deplomyent by the US Army of a Patriot missile defense battery near Warsaw. The installation came as part of joint exercises aimed at reassuring NATO member Poland in light of Russia's military intervention in neighbouring Ukraine.

The Patriot missile battery, which is manufactured by US firm Raytheon, arrived in Poland accompanied by 100 US soldiers and approximately 30 vehicles.

Stephen Mull, US Ambassador to Poland: "Today we demonstrate the United States ability to quickly deploy the Patriot missiles in Poland in case of necessity. We are here to show our Polish allies that American security guarantees for Poland within NATO mean much more than words on the paper."

Poland has been leading calls within NATO to boost is presence in eastern Europe. The military alliance is now set to introduce a 'rapid reaction force' for the region.

Warsaw meanwhile has begun a 10-year, USD 42 billion overhaul of its military. The EU member state has become increasingly uneasy amid repeated provocations by Russian warplanes.

Last year Poland spent 1.95 percent of its GDP on its armed forces, one of the highest rates of military spending in Europe.

Кorupciya. world

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