Poland to buy US Patriot missile defence systems worth $15bn.

Poland will buy advanced Patriot missile defence systems worth up to $15 billion in a deal announced Wednesday by the Pentagon.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale would involve up to 48 Patriot PAC-3 launchers and up to 644 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles, along with radars and control components for the systems.

The agency said the State Department, which has authority over US arms export deals, had approved the sale, which will provide Warsaw with some of the most advanced US air defence systems.

“The proposed sale will improve Poland’s missile defence capability and contribute to Poland’s military goals of updating capability while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies,” the agency said in a statement.

The Patriots are designed for use against incoming high-speed missiles and aircraft.

NATO member states in eastern Europe, such as Poland, have been scrambling to boost their defence capabilities since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of last year.

Patriot missiles have proven highly effective in protecting Ukraine from Russian air attacks, even bringing down Moscow’s tactical ballistic and advanced hypersonic missiles.

AFP