Arguably, Poland is the "keystone" in the defence and security of the Baltic Region. This is especially significant when considering recent Russian expansionism, including claims being made on Central European land and sea territories. This is just one of several reasons why NATO nations and others around the world are viewing Poland with great interest. Another set of issues surround Poland's announcement of continued force modernisation programmes, purchasing processes, and the Polish defence industry's stop-and-start approach to defence exports.
The Balt-Military Expo (biannual) taking place in Gdansk this week addresses regional and national security issues, ranging from protection of critical infrastructures and delivery of blue-light services to the latest naval sonar technologies and ship building / MRO services. The adjoining conferences and exposition deliver insights and information in a way that make the Baltic region more than "Just the Baltic Region."
This week the NAVAL FORCES and MILITARY TECHNOLOGY blogs will feature detailed reports on the Balt Military Expo and the innovations and issues discussed here.
We will also provide updates from MAST Eurasia and UDT 2014, with vox populi and human interest elements from these events that highlight NAVAL FORCES multi-role mission within the global naval defence and maritime security community.