Poland to join NATO surveillance programme

Tomasz Siemoniak: Polish Radio

The system involves air surveillance of objects on the ground, and the main AGS bases are to be located in Italy (Sigonella) and the United States with the system due to become operational in 2015.

“What mattered to me were the opinions of my commanders who, when asked whether it makes sense to join the programme even if it brings no economic advantages to this country, unanimously said 'yes',” Siemoniak affirmed, as quoted by Polish Radio.

“Being NATO's border country, Poland should participate in this project. That is why I made such a decision. At the same time, I would like to stress that it will not mean that drones will be flying over Poland. This is just a strictly defined capability of military reconnaissance.”

AGS is one of the flagship initiatives of NATO. According to the defence ministry, from Poland's point of view, joining the AGS programme will be very significant for strengthening its position in NATO structures.

Poland will be among 14 NATO states building capabilities within the system and, as a result, will gain the possibility to strengthen cooperation with countries using stare of the art technologies. (di)