Poland has signed a nearly $2 billion air defense deal with the US, reinforcing its role on NATO’s eastern flank amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The agreement covers logistical support, equipment, and training for the Raytheon-developed Patriot air defense system, ensuring operational readiness against aerial threats such as tactical ballistic missiles and aircraft.
Warsaw previously acquired two Patriot batteries under the first phase of the Wisła program, part of its broader multi-layered air defense initiative. These batteries are equipped with PAC-3 MSE missiles and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
With this latest acquisition, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged Washington to reconsider imposing tariffs on allies.
“It’s about the security of the Polish state and our lasting, unchanging transatlantic alliance, the strengthening of which and the building of Europe’s strengths go hand in hand, not against each other,” noted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during the signing ceremony.
Polish Defense Efforts
As a key NATO ally bordering Ukraine and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Poland has allocated 4.1 percent of its GDP to defense in 2024 to prepare against a potential attack from Moscow.
Warsaw is the highest defense spender among NATO member states — surpassing even the US’ 3.3 percent of GDP — and plans to increase its defense budget to 4.7 percent of GDP this year.
In February, the country purchased an IBCS system from Northrop Grumman for its Wisła medium-range and Narew short-range air defense programs in a deal worth $899.6 million.