Poland to purchase 486 launchers used for HIMARS

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Sep 2023 23:28
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Poland signs a deal with Lockheed Martin to purchase nearly 500 launchers as key components in the manufacture of HIMARS.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, third from right, talks to soldiers during a ceremony after receiving its first shipment of US-made HIMARS rocket launchers, at an air base in Warsaw, Poland, 15 May 2023. (AP)

Poland has inked a landmark deal with Lockheed Martin, securing 486 launcher-loader kits for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

The announcement, made by Lockheed Martin on Monday, marks the beginning of a new framework agreement that promises to fortify Poland's defense infrastructure.

The framework agreement sets out ambitious plans for Poland, with the assembly of 486 Homar-A vehicles slated to commence within the country's borders. Initial deliveries are scheduled to kick off in 2026.

Additionally, tens of thousands of rocket ammunition missiles will be manufactured as part of this comprehensive partnership, expanding Poland's firepower.

Key participants from the Polish defense sector include Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, Huta Stalowa Wola, WZU, and MESKO, all of whom will play pivotal roles in ensuring the successful execution of the agreement. The involvement of these prominent Polish companies underscores the commitment to enhancing Poland's self-reliance in defense production.

Furthermore, the agreement encompasses technology transfer and production orders for HIMARS ammunition, paving the way for Poland to have a comprehensive, self-sustaining HIMARS capability in the near future.

Military powerhouse

Poland is building up a stockpile of numerous arms and equipment acquired from the West, from rocket launchers to tanks and aircraft, in a continuous show of force in light of regional tensions.

The US in December approved an arms deal worth $3.75 billion consisting of 116 Abrams tanks and related equipment to Poland, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.75 billion," DSCA stated in a press release.

The statement added that the Polish government has also asked for 12 Hercules armored recovery vehicles, in addition to 6 command vehicles, eight Joint Assault Bridges, 26 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), and 26 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, among other equipment.

Moreover, in April, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck said Warsaw was building military warehouses across the country to host thousands of NATO military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles.

Warsaw is establishing the "logistical rear" of NATO's eastern flank in the republic, he added.

"Several thousands of items of NATO military equipment will be stored in Powidz and in some other places in Poland," the Prime Minister said at his press conference before his departure to the United States, adding that "those are tanks, armored vehicles, different kinds of weapons that will allow to swiftly activate the eastern flank of NATO, in case such a necessity emerges."