The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of 116 General Dynamics made M1A1 Abrams tanks, other vehicles and munitions to Poland in a deal valued at up to $3.75 billion, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," we read in a statement by the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The sale comes just months after Poland was authorized to buy 250 M1A2 tanks by the same maker. With this new option, Poland could elect to buy a mix of the two tank versions as it seeks to modernize its military and adjust to new geopolitical realities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The package would include vehicles to recover disabled tanks, eight assault bridges and other vehicles. It would also provide thousands of rounds of advanced munitions including armor-piercing rounds, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said.
The proposed sale will improve Poland’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The DSCA notified Congress of the possible sale on Tuesday.
Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.
"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," the DSCA said.
"Another stage on the road to increased armoured potential of Polish Armed Forces," Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said on Twitter. "We're proceeding to price negotiations. First deliveries possible in 2023. Strong military means safe Poland," he added.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, Reuters
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: U.S. Army