
Poland is offering to pay $15,000 a year for each American soldier stationed on its territory, as well as cover infrastructure costs, while Warsaw and Washington are negotiating the establishment of a permanent American military base.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski said negotiations with the Pentagon are focused on how to implement the plan, including the number of troops, capabilities and possible locations.
"We will cover the infrastructure costs. We are also covering the cost of each American soldier stationed in Poland with $15,000 per year," Zalewski said, explaining that the payments will be covered by Polish taxpayers.
US President Donald Trump said on September 17 that there was progress towards establishing the base and that its location could be announced soon. The US currently has thousands of troops in Poland, mostly deployed on a rotational basis.
According to Zalewski, a permanent American presence would strengthen Washington's commitment to NATO's eastern flank and send a signal to Russia.
He said such a base would mean a more sustained American commitment to Poland.
Security experts emphasize that the importance of the base will also depend on the US decision about its military presence in other parts of Europe.
Meanwhile, Poland has significantly increased defense spending and deepened military cooperation with the United States.