The Uk has announced an extension of the deployment of its Sky Sabre air defence system in Poland until the end of the year, alongside a contingent of 100 British troops.
Sky Sabre, hailed as the UK’s most advanced system of its kind, was initially dispatched to Poland in April 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Originally slated to conclude its deployment by the end of March, the system will now remain stationed until at least December.
The UK will always step up to defend our NATO allies when needed.
That’s why today we’re extending the deployment of 100 British Soldiers and our Sky Sabre air defence system to keep Poland safe from growing threats and aggressive forces. pic.twitter.com/DWVQwvJDph
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps (@grantshapps) March 13, 2024
The decision was formally confirmed by British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps during his recent visit to Poland, where he held discussions with his Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and observed ongoing NATO exercises. “The UK will always step up to defend our NATO allies when needed,” Shapps assured, asserting that Sky Sabre’s presence would “safeguard Poland from mounting threats and aggressive forces”.
“You are much closer to the front line than we are, and I believe that this system can be of much greater help to you than to us at the moment,” he further remarked, as cited by broadcaster TVN. In expressing gratitude for the UK’s “extraordinary support of Poland” the Polish Defence Minister stressed the significance of “ensuring the security of NATO’s eastern flank”.
16,000 @BritishArmy troops are deploying across Europe to deter aggression against our NATO allies.
We should never take for granted the debt we owe them, including those I met in Poland today, for keeping us safe from the growing threats of a contested world. pic.twitter.com/W4l6arQM9K
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps (@grantshapps) March 13, 2024
Sky Sabre, boasting missile launches at speeds of 2,300 miles per hour capable of targeting even objects as tiny as a tennis ball, allows for neutralising planes, drones, and rockets.
Author: Sebastien Meuwissen
Image: X @AnnaClunes
