The US is hoping to install interceptor missiles in Poland.

But Mr Tusk is likely to bargain for US help in modernising his country's military - especially air defences - in exchange for use of a Polish base.

He says the proposed US anti-missile system, which has angered Russia, will reduce Poland's security.

The White House has said the planned shield is meant to guard against attacks by "rogue states", such as Iran or North Korea.

'Rogue state' defence

The US opened negotiations last year with the previous Polish government of Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a strong backer of the US proposals.

But Mr Tusk's government, which came to power in November, has argued Poland get some reward for allowing the US missiles to be based in the country.

It wants anti-aircraft missiles - such as the US Patriot, which was used to shoot down Iraqi Scud missiles in the 1991 Gulf War - in return.

Russia's outgoing President Vladimir Putin has condemned the plans to include Poland and the neighbouring Czech Republic in its proposed missile shield.

An associated radar system could be based in the Czech Republic.

"The Americans know our expectations and their understanding of Polish expectations is slowly taking a very promising shape," Mr Tusk told Polish news agency PAP before flying to the US.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss further Nato involvement in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Polish troops took part in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and a multinational division in the south of the country is commanded by Polish forces - though the Poles intend to withdraw their troops by October.

Mr Tusk is also expected to meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.

(BBC)

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