Image source: topwar.ru
The Polish authorities seriously intend, at least judging by the statements, to turn their country into the largest military state among the members of the European Union. Warsaw has repeatedly announced and, as far as possible, is implementing plans to increase the size of the national army and large-scale purchases of various types of weapons. Poland is going to buy a thousand modern modified K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea alone in the coming years.
In addition to the acquisition of imported weapons and military equipment, including, of course, American, the Polish leadership intends to intensify the development of its own defense production. In particular, for this purpose, Warsaw enters into agreements with leading arms manufacturers from the United States, implying the acquisition of rights and technologies for the repair, maintenance, modernization and production of American-designed weapons.
On the eve of the Polish Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak solemnly signed offset agreements with the American companies Lockheed Martin Global Inc. and Raytheon Company, providing for the production and repair of elements for the national medium-range missile defense system Wisla. The implementation of this program was started back in 2013. The signing ceremony of the package of agreements was broadcast live by the Polish TV channel Telewizja Polska (TVP).
— said the Polish Defense Minister at the signing ceremony of the agreements.
In total, thirteen agreements were signed for a total amount of about one billion zlotys (approximately $ 250 million), the duration of the program is five years. As part of the contracts, Poland will receive technologies related to the maintenance and production of components for LTAMDS Ghost Eye control systems and radars.
The signed agreements also relate to the acquisition by the Polish defense industry of additional capabilities for servicing F-16 and C-130 aircraft. In addition, Poland will receive competencies and licenses for the production of fuel for HIMARS MLRS missiles, as well as competencies related to PAC-3 MSE missiles for the Wisla system. A new repair and production base will be created in the country to service these systems.
As the head of the Polish military department stressed, these agreements will allow, among other things, to include the national defense industry in the supply chains of American manufacturers. According to Blaszczak, "it is beneficial to both sides."
In 2018, the Polish Defense Ministry signed a contract with the Pentagon for the purchase of American air defense systems/ABOUT Patriot for the emerging national medium-range missile defense system Wisla. Two phases of this program provide for the acquisition by Poland of 16 launchers, 208 missiles and 4 radar stations with radars.
