US troop rotation to Poland resumes after May suspension, defence minister says
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on 6 July that the US troop rotation suspended in May will resume and be completed within weeks, calling it an "extremely positive signal".
Announcement in Bydgoszcz
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the resumption of the US troop rotation during a ceremony in Bydgoszcz on 6 July, where a deal was signed with American firm Anduril Industries for cruise missile production. He said he received the information from US Deputy Ambassador Stephanie Holmes and the US military attaché.
The rotation that was suspended a few weeks ago is returning, it will be continued and within the next few weeks the rotation of American troops in Poland will be completed.
Kosiniak-Kamysz described the move as an "extremely positive signal" and said it fits into the development of Polish-American cooperation in security and the defence industry.
Background of the suspension
On 1 May, the Pentagon announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany and cancelled plans for a rotational deployment of 4,000 US soldiers to Poland. The decision was part of a series of moves to reduce the US force presence in Europe. A few days later, President Donald Trump declared, citing his good relations with Polish President Karol Nawrocki, that an additional 5,000 US troops would be sent to Poland.
- Pentagon cancels rotation of 4,000 troops to Poland and announces withdrawal of 5,000 from Germany.
- President Trump declares he will send an additional 5,000 US troops to Poland.
- Pentagon chief Hegseth announces review of US forces in Europe, linked to NATO 3.0 concept.
- Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz announces rotation resumes, to be completed in coming weeks.
US force review and NATO 3.0
In mid-June, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth announced a review of US forces and bases in Europe, expected to last up to six months. He linked the review to the concept of transforming NATO into a model where Europe takes primary responsibility for its conventional defence, the so-called NATO 3.0.
Talks on permanent presence
Discussions between Polish and US authorities also cover a permanent US military presence in Poland. Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau, said after an hour-long conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Rubio declared himself "absolutely in favour" of changing the character of the US armed forces' presence on Polish territory from rotational to permanent.
I am absolutely in favour of changing the character of the US armed forces' presence on Polish territory from rotational to permanent.
Przydacz noted that Rubio upheld Trump's declaration of sending an additional 5,000 troops, but clarified that it likely meant 5,000 troops instead of, not in addition to, the suspended rotational armoured brigade of 4,000 soldiers. Currently, about 10,000 US troops are stationed in Poland, both rotationally and as part of a permanent presence.
Anduril missile deal
The announcement came as Poland signed an agreement between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze nr 2 and Anduril Industries to develop production capabilities for cruise missiles. Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that the signing took place a day before the NATO summit in Ankara, calling it a "strategic moment" for Poland's national interest. He noted that Poland is the first country in Europe to sign such a deal with Anduril, with exclusivity for production and technology transfer, including a Polish version of the Barracuda 500 missile.
