France will deploy main battle tanks Leclerc and VBCI infantry fighting vehicles in Poland.

After the deployment of French fighter aircraft in Poland for a period of four months and having taken part in many NATO military exercises in the region in 2014, France is ready to extend its contribution to extend the presence of NATO forces in the country. This new French military deployment will include a wide range of land, sea, air and Special Forces in Poland.

NATO has no permanent presence in Eastern Europe but since last April members have been cycling forces and military equipment through the region in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

NATO said Friday it will deploy small units in six eastern European nations to help coordinate a spearhead force set up in response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the units in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania will be the first of their kind there.

Defense ministers from the 28-nation military alliance will discuss the full force, which can react quickly to any hotspots in Europe, when they meet on Feb. 5.

Stoltenberg said countries responsible for providing the several thousand troops should be known next week.

The forward units will comprise a few dozen troops only. They will plan and organize military exercises, and provide command and control for any reinforcements the force might require.