Poland signs deal to buy US air defence system for $4.75bn
PR dla Zagranicy
Paweł Kononczuk
28.03.2018 11:42
Poland on Wednesday signed what officials described as a historic deal to buy an American Patriot air defence system for USD 4.75 billion.
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak signing the deal for a US Patriot missile defence system. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
The first Patriot systems are expected to reach Poland in 2022, and further ones in 2024.
The contract was formally signed by Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in a ceremony in Warsaw attended by President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and the US ambassador to Poland, Paul W. Jones.
Duda said the deal for the anti-aircraft and anti-missile system was a “historic moment.”
The US embassy in Warsaw said on its website that the signing of the agreement was “the culmination of our two countries’ efforts over the past few years and is a direct result” of a meeting between President Donald Trump and Duda in Warsaw last July.
“Poland’s acquisition of the Patriot missile system is further evidence of Poland’s commitment to NATO and its relationship with the United States,” the statement added.
“We look forward to working with Poland on finalizing Phase II of this acquisition and on delivering the most capable Patriot missile system ever developed, which will be a game changing defensive capability on NATO’s Eastern Flank.”
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak and US ambassador to Poland Paul W. Jones. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Poland’s defence ministry on Friday signed nearly PLN 950 million (USD 277m, EUR 225m) worth of offset deals with American firms Lockheed Martin Global Inc and the Raytheon Company ahead of the planned purchase of US Patriot air defence systems.
(pk/gs)
Source: IAR