In a significant show of support for NATO allies, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Poland’s commitment to defense during a joint press conference with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak on February 14. This visit marked Hegseth’s first bilateral engagement as defense secretary, underscoring the importance of the U.S.-Poland relationship.
Hegseth characterized Poland as a “model ally” within NATO, emphasizing the country’s proactive approach to defense spending and military readiness. “We see Poland as a strategic frontline partner on NATO’s eastern flank,” he stated, highlighting the nation’s willingness to invest in both its own defense and the collective security of the alliance.
The defense secretary’s remarks came after discussions in Brussels, where he reiterated the necessity of hard power in ensuring security. “Diplomacy is important, but ultimately, beans and bullets and tanks and helicopters still matter,” Hegseth said, acknowledging Poland’s understanding of this principle.
During his visit, Hegseth expressed a desire to explore further collaboration with Poland to enhance both nations’ defense industrial capabilities. “The more materiel Poland has, the stronger we are,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of interoperability between U.S. and Polish military systems.
Hegseth also took the opportunity to engage with U.S. soldiers and Marines stationed in Poland, participating in a physical training session with them. He reported that the troops spoke highly of their experiences, praising the Polish military and the support they received from the local population. “The level of partnership is unmatched in Europe,” he remarked, commending Poland for its investments in infrastructure and logistical support for U.S. forces.
When questioned about the future of U.S. troop levels in Europe, Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to NATO. “I will state definitively that America is committed to the NATO alliance,” he declared. He reiterated the need for increased defense spending among NATO member countries, stating that it is not merely a suggestion but a direct request for collective defense.
“Our message has been clear: member countries in NATO need to invest more and have more skin in the game,” Hegseth said, emphasizing the importance of European nations taking responsibility for their own security. He acknowledged the unpredictability of future troop levels in Europe, citing various global threats that the U.S. must address.
Hegseth urged European allies to invest in their defense capabilities, warning that the U.S. presence in Europe cannot be taken for granted. “Now is the time to invest, because you can’t assume that America’s presence will last forever,” he cautioned, while expressing confidence that countries like Poland would be prepared to defend themselves if necessary.
As the visit concluded, Hegseth reiterated his pride in the U.S.-Poland partnership, highlighting the strong and growing relationship between the two nations. “As of today, we are very proud of our partnership in Europe,” he said, signaling a commitment to continued collaboration in the face of evolving global challenges.
