U.S. greenlights sale of air and missile defense system to Poland

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System (IBCS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4.0 billion" - the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement released on Monday (Sept. 11).

As it upgrades its air defenses, Poland had requested to buy phase two of a two-phase program for the command system enabled PATRIOT Configuration-3+ with modernized sensors and components.

The sale would include 93 of the system's engagement operation centers, 175 fire control network relays and other related equipment, the DSCA said.

European interest in U.S. weaponry has increased with demand centered around such supplies as munitions, air defenses, communications equipment, shoulder-fired Javelin missiles and drones which have proven critical to Ukraine's war efforts.

The principal contractor for the missile defense system will be Northrup Grumman.

Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak welcomed the news regarding the sale approval on the X socia media platform.

"This is a key element of the anti-aircraft and anti-missile program creation. Soon we will begin price negotiations," he said.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency added that the deal "will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe".

"The proposed sale will improve Poland’s missile defense capability and contribute to Poland’s goal of updating its military capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," the DSCA said.

"Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces."

The DSCA also assured the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region, nor will it have adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.