An Italian missile destroyer expected to reach Polish shores soon will bolster Poland’s coastal defense through enhanced anti-air and anti-missile capabilities, according to the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak. The official noted that the ship will be in Poland within days.
The deputy prime minister traveled to Rome on Wednesday for talks with the Italian defense minister, Guido Crosetto. The discussions covered bilateral defense cooperation, modernization of the Polish armed forces, the current security situation amid the conflict in Ukraine, and continued support for Ukraine.
Close cooperation
The two ministers also addressed the planned agenda of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. The partnership with Italy remains robust, according to remarks from the Polish defense minister. Italian troops are stationed in Latvia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence, serving alongside Polish troops. Polish personnel participate in the EU mission in Sicily, highlighting the practical depth of this alliance. Last year Italian F-35 aircraft operated in Poland, and there is an expectation of similar deployments this year. This exchange illustrates the tangible scale of the cooperation.
The defense minister underscored the positive decision by Italy to send an advanced missile destroyer to Poland, noting that its powerful anti-air and anti-missile systems will strengthen Poland’s coastal defenses. He emphasized that the ship would arrive in Poland within a few days.
The Ministry of National Defense reported that during a visit to the Vatican, the Polish defense chief laid flowers at the tomb of St. John Paul II. The Polish delegation also participated in a World Peace Mass held in the Polish chapel at St. Peter’s Basilica. The minister also met with Polish scouts during the visit.
gah/PAP
Source: wPolityce