US approves $15 billion sale of Patriot missile defense systems to Poland

Europe, News, US June 30, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. State Department approved a sale worth $15 billion for the Patriot missile defense system to Poland. Under the foreign military sale, Poland would acquire Patriot’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Battle Command System (IBCS), and related equipment.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) received the request from the Polish government for the sale involving up to 48 Patriot launchers and 644 Patriot advanced capability missile segments, 12 of the most advanced Patriot radars, the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), and other related equipment. The approval of sales from the U.S. State Departments has brought Warsaw one step closer to upgrading its missile defense systems.

After approving the Patriot missile system sales, the State Department notified Congress for further action. If the deal gets the green light from the U.S. Congress, Poland would begin contract negotiations with the producers and suppliers of the parts, Raytheon Technologies, and Lockheed Martin. The contract negotiations might take more than a year and result in a purchase agreement for smaller quantities, especially during these times due to the increased demand. If everything goes right, Poland would be able to upgrade its existing missile defense system in the coming few years.

“The proposed sale will improve Poland’s missile defense capability and contribute to Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies,” DSCA said in a statement.

*^{Polish and American servicemembers inspect the WISŁA relay at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. (Image Credit: U.S. Army/via Northrop Grumman)}*

Separately on June 28, U.S. defense manufacturer Northrop Grumman fielded Poland’s Integrated Battle Command System training program. The system, which was delivered two years ahead of schedule, would enable Poland to swiftly field the transformational integrated command and control capabilities of IBCS.

Being at the forefront of NATO’s eastern flank and sharing borders with Ukraine, Poland is currently bolstering its arsenal with active procurement efforts. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has ramped up its military acquisitions while supplying crucial weapons to Ukraine for its defense. 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 signed deals with South Korea to acquire new tanks, missiles, and fighter jets.

Poland has been one of the most vocal European countries against the Russian invasion, urging other Western allies to send weapons to Ukraine. Poland was the first country to pledge Leopard-2 tanks for Ukraine which played a major in Ukraine’s counteroffensive. As soon as Germany allowed European states to send German-made tanks to Ukraine, Poland announced the delivery of the tanks.

Apart from Poland, several other European allies have shown interest in acquiring U.S. weaponry and the demand is centered around munitions, air defenses, communications equipment, shoulder-fired Javelin missiles, and drones which have proven critical to Ukraine’s war efforts. The extensive use of U.S.-made weapons and defense systems would significantly increase interoperability among the NATO forces.