Poland signs $2.3 billion deal with UK to buy air defense systems

Europe, News May 1, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Poland has signed one of the largest European bilateral deals with the UK to buy a $2.3 billion British air defense system. Under the deal, European missile maker MBDA would deliver 22 batteries of the air defense systems to Poland.

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace released a statement regarding the deal saying that “I am delighted that the UK and Poland’s deep and historic defense ties take another step forward with the signing of the largest ever UK defense export deal with Poland.”

“We are committed to supporting Poland’s defense modernization plans and this upgraded air-defense program will ensure that Poland and the UK have the ability to continue safeguarding our people and bolstering NATO security,” the British defense minister added.

Poland would acquire the latest generation air defense Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM) system that is in service with both the British Army and Royal Navy. It is already deployed to Poland with the British Army to protect its airspace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The system can engage advanced air and missile targets up to 25 kilometers away. The makers claim that the missile system can detect and hit a tennis ball-sized object traveling beyond the speed of sound.

“We have played a crucial role in boosting Euro-Atlantic Defenses since Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, and this landmark agreement between the UK and Poland is another example of how, alongside our allies, we are committed to protecting our security for generations to come,” said UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he announced the deal on April 28, 2023.

*^{Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) is a next-generation air defense missile system. (Image Credit: MBDA)}*

The managing director of MBDA UK Chris Allam said that “We are deeply proud that Poland is placing CAMM at the core of their layered air defense systems.” He further added that “this landmark Polish-UK cooperation will provide a major boost to Poland’s air defense capabilities and bring our defense industries closer together, enabling sovereignty and supporting jobs in both countries.”

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has increased its military procurement as well as supplied crucial weapons to Ukraine for its defense. Poland has been one of the most vocal European countries, urging other Western allies to send weapons to Ukraine.

The Polish government has raised defense spending to first 3% and then 4% of GDP, the highest relative level for any NATO member state. Poland has also made deals with the United States and South Korea to acquire new tanks, missiles, and fighter jets.