Poland says US decided to establish permanent military base

September 26, 2026 at 07:03 AM2 min

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Poland's deputy defense minister said Friday the US has decided to establish a permanent military base in Poland. The two countries are also nearing an agreement to jointly develop weapons. A Pentagon spokesman said there is nothing to announce at this time.

Key Facts

Paweł Ksawery Zalewski, secretary of state at Poland's Ministry of National Defence, said the US decision on a permanent base has been made.
Poland is offering to finance the entire infrastructure and contribute $15,000 per year for each American soldier stationed there.
The Trump administration has not yet fulfilled its May promise to put an additional 5,000 troops in Poland.
Poland first sought a US military base in 2018, offering to name it after President Donald Trump.

The Base Decision

Paweł Ksawery Zalewski, secretary of state at Poland's Ministry of National Defence, told an audience in Washington, D.C. that the US decision to establish a permanent base in Poland has been made. A Pentagon spokesman responded to a request for comment by saying, "We have nothing to announce at this time." Zalewski said details of the basing agreement are still under discussion between Polish and US military officials. He declined to specify how many US troops would be stationed at the new base, saying capabilities matter more than numbers.

Financing and Troop Levels

Poland is offering to finance the entire infrastructure for the base and contribute $15,000 per year toward the cost of each American soldier's stay. Zalewski acknowledged that the Trump administration has not yet fulfilled its May promise to put an additional 5,000 troops in Poland. He said his discussions with US military officials were as productive and meaningful as ever, despite the administration's moves to reduce US troops in Europe.

Joint Weapons Development

The two countries have agreed on the outlines of an agreement to jointly produce new military capabilities by allowing more joint ventures between US and Polish defense producers. Zalewski said the agreement must contend with US laws and regulations regarding defense exports, and that cutting red tape is the first step. Poland first sought a US military base in 2018, offering to name it after President Donald Trump.