Poland has ordered an additional batch of Javelin missiles from the US.
The $103.5-million purchase follows the receipt of a previous order worth $54.5 million in October.
The latest purchase comprises 50 launchers and 500 missiles, with additional logistics and training packages, according to MILMAG. The deliveries are expected to be complete by 2026.
The previous contract included 60 launchers and 180 missiles.
An addendum to the contract for the delivery of more Javelin launchers and anti-tank guided missiles for the Polish Armed Forces was signed today. Soldiers will receive more launchers, missiles, as well as a logistics and training packages. https://t.co/mvsRA0DrHt
— Poland MOD 🇵🇱 (@Poland_MOD) January 31, 2023
Increased Defense Spending
The purchase came a month after Warsaw approved an additional purchase of 116 Abrams tanks from the US for $1.4 billion. Poland purchased 250 Abrams last year.
The tanks are expected to be delivered through 2024.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced a hike in the country’s annual defense budget to four percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) this week, saying that the country needed to arm itself “faster” in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Polish parliament has approved defense spending of $22.5 billion, or three percent of GDP, for 2023. The budget is yet to be signed by the president.
