Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, spoke after a Brussels meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, outlining a plan to help strengthen alliance readiness by proposing the establishment of NATO weapons depots on the alliance’s eastern flank. The remarks, carried by Polish television, reflect a clear push to move infrastructure closer to potential theaters of operation and to ensure that material is readily accessible to forces stationed in nearby regions.
During the briefing, Duda emphasized the goal of increasing the number of allied storage locations across the eastern edge of NATO’s territory. He described a scenario in which stockpiles would be positioned at strategic points to enable rapid mobilization and response times, should the alliance need to surge capabilities quickly in a tense security environment. The president stressed that having equipment and munitions pre-positioned would translate into faster action when command structures authorize deployment.
He further noted that the crucial factor in such a plan is the accessibility of weapons to NATO units operating in the area. The ability to draw from pre-positioned inventories could shorten supply lines and support rapid reinforcement, potentially altering the tempo of any future operation. Duda also pointed to the importance of ensuring that the infrastructure is maintained to a standard that guarantees reliability and safety for personnel and for the equipment itself, minimizing delays caused by maintenance gaps or logistics bottlenecks.
Poland already hosts a sizable presence of Western military support. Estimates indicate roughly 10,000 U.S. service members are stationed in the country, contributing to a robust bilateral security posture. Duda underscored that timely arms deliveries remain a critical element of the broader regional deterrent, arguing that delays in providing materiel to Kyiv could have wider consequences for Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in a rapidly evolving conflict. The president’s remarks reflect a broader, ongoing discussion among allied leaders about how to sustain support for Ukraine while enhancing collective defenses along Europe’s eastern frontier.
In related developments, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak announced further enhancements to the Polish armed forces. He confirmed the imminent arrival of 500 charging modules for U.S.-made HIMARS launch systems, which would bring the total number of these modules in Poland to 506. The increase in charging modules is part of a broader effort to upgrade missile battery readiness and ensure that the Poland-based HIMARS batteries can operate with minimal downtime during periods of heightened tension. This step also signals deeper integration with U.S. protection and support frameworks while stressing Poland’s pivotal role in coordinating Western military assets on the continent.
Beyond specific hardware, commentators argue that the broader strategy under discussion involves a layered approach to deterrence. Pre-positioned stocks, enhanced mobility, and rapid deployment capabilities would complement ongoing efforts to strengthen border checks, air defense networks, and logistics corridors that connect allied bases across Central and Eastern Europe. Proponents contend that such measures could offer a credible signal of regional resilience and a reliable backstop for Ukraine, contributing to the easing of pressure on frontline units by reducing reliance on long-haul supply chains.
Analysts also warn that establishing new depots entails careful consideration of sovereignty, security, and environmental standards. Any plan to expand storage facilities would require rigorous oversight, transparent governance, and robust safety protocols. The objective would be to balance readiness with accountability, ensuring that stocks remain secure, traceable, and protected from interference while remaining accessible for lawful use by NATO forces when the alliance deems it necessary. The conversation continues to evolve as allied leaders weigh the tradeoffs between faster response times and the complexities of maintaining multinational inventories across multiple jurisdictions.
Ultimately, the dialogue about positioning arms depots on NATO’s eastern flank aligns with broader strategic aims to deter aggression and stabilize the region. Poland’s leadership frames the proposal as a pragmatic step to bolster collective defense, while allied partners assess logistical, political, and humanitarian dimensions. The outcome of these discussions will shape how quickly and effectively the alliance can mobilize in case of an escalation and how material support flows to support Ukraine in the near term, alongside broader regional security commitments.