UK and Poland Sign Defence Plan to Expand Missile, Drone and Ammunition Production

The United Kingdom and Poland have signed a new three-year defence cooperation plan covering missile development, drone technologies and the expansion of large-calibre ammunition manufacturing, strengthening industrial ties between two of NATO's major European defence markets.

The Warsaw Defence Plan was signed on October 27, 2026, in Warsaw by British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

A central industrial component involves British defence manufacturer BAE Systems and Poland's state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), which are expected to expand large-calibre ammunition production capacity and deepen their existing manufacturing partnership.

The agreement also establishes a framework for joint development of next-generation air defence missiles, unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies.

BAE Systems and PGZ to Expand Ammunition Production

The latest agreement builds on an industrial partnership established in September 2025, when BAE Systems and PGZ agreed to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition manufacturing facility in Poland.

Under that arrangement, BAE Systems committed to transferring manufacturing technology and technical expertise to PGZ, supporting the development of domestic production capabilities and a more resilient ammunition supply chain.

The planned factory will incorporate automated production technology developed by BAE Systems for its British ammunition facilities.

The two companies expanded their relationship in February 2026 through a separate cooperation agreement covering potential projects in land systems, autonomous technologies, counter-UAS capabilities and additional defence markets.

The Warsaw Defence Plan now places that relationship within a broader government-backed framework.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems and PGZ will increase large-calibre ammunition manufacturing capacity and capabilities. However, the announcement did not specify additional investment commitments, production volumes or completion dates for the expanded cooperation.

Poland is already investing heavily in artillery ammunition manufacturing.

As AdriaDefense previously reported, Poland's Dezamet signed an agreement worth more than €100 million with Czechoslovak Group for components used in 155mm ammunition production.

The combination of domestic investment and partnerships with British, Czech and other European manufacturers reflects Poland's efforts to establish a broader industrial supply chain for NATO-standard artillery ammunition.

Joint Missile Development and Counter-Drone Technology

Beyond artillery ammunition, the UK and Poland intend to strengthen cooperation in the development and manufacture of next-generation air defence missiles.

The two countries already maintain a substantial industrial relationship through MBDA UK's participation in Poland's Narew air defence programme.

Narew is designed to provide short-range and medium-range air defence capabilities using missiles from the CAMM family, with Polish industry progressively acquiring manufacturing and integration expertise.

Earlier this year, MBDA and PGZ advanced plans for domestic CAMM-ER missile production, supporting Warsaw's strategy of localising key elements of its missile supply chain.

The new bilateral agreement also identifies drone and counter-drone technology as priorities for joint development.

Both countries intend to explore systems capable of countering unmanned aerial threats to military facilities, civilian infrastructure and strategically important installations.

The Polish Ministry of Defence additionally identified artificial intelligence, long-range precision strike capabilities and new military technologies among the main areas of cooperation.

Specific companies, development budgets and procurement schedules for these new missile and drone initiatives have not yet been announced.

Naval Industry and Defence Supply Chains

The cooperation plan extends to naval shipbuilding and maritime security.

Poland and the United Kingdom will exchange experience from their respective frigate programmes, including the British Type 31 and Polish Miecznik projects.

Both programmes are based on the Arrowhead 140 design developed by Babcock International, creating opportunities for continued industrial and technical cooperation.

In August, AdriaDefense reported on the unveiling of ORP Wicher, the first of three Miecznik frigates being constructed in Poland.

The Warsaw Defence Plan also calls for closer defence procurement coordination, industrial education, specialist training and workforce mobility between the two countries.

For British defence manufacturers, Poland offers a substantial and expanding market for military equipment and industrial partnerships.

For Polish companies, the cooperation provides opportunities to acquire manufacturing technology, develop domestic capabilities and participate in international supply chains.

The significance of the new plan will depend on how quickly the two governments and their industrial partners translate its commitments into specific contracts, production investments and operational manufacturing capacity.

Sources: UK Ministry of Defence, October 27, 2026; Polish Ministry of National Defence, October 27, 2026; BAE Systems corporate announcements, September 2025 and February 2026.