Poland Says Pentagon Has Given ‘Green Light’ for Permanent U.S. Military Base, With White House Decision Pending

Poland says the Pentagon has signaled support for establishing a permanent U.S. military base on Polish territory, following talks between Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Washington on November 10. ⠀ Kosiniak-Kamysz said Hegseth told him discussions were “going in the right direction.” The Polish minister interpreted those remarks as a “green light” from the Pentagon, but stressed that the White House must make the final decision, expected in early December. ⠀ He described the meeting as a breakthrough and said Poland had become not merely a model U.S. ally but a strategic partner. The two governments have been discussing a permanent base for months, including the infrastructure and arrangements needed to support American forces. ⠀ The talks also covered Poland’s interest in buying U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles. Kosiniak-Kamysz said the Pentagon had responded positively to Poland’s request, although any sale would still require congressional approval. ⠀ The ministers signed a statement of intent to deepen defense-industrial cooperation. The Pentagon’s account of the meeting confirmed that agreement and discussions on NATO, Ukraine and Poland’s defense investments, but did not announce a final decision on the base. ⠀ Poland hosts U.S. forces under existing defense arrangements and has sought a more permanent American presence to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. The latest statements indicate progress toward that goal, not a completed agreement.