US approves $389mln military sale to Poland

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Sep 2023 00:17

The US State Department announces the approval of a military sale of $389 million military sale to Poland.

Representatives of allied US troops march in a massive military parade that was to show NATO member Poland's defense potential in Warsaw, Poland, 15 August 2023 (AP)

The United States State Department has greenlit a substantial $389 million foreign military sale (FMS) to Poland. This significant deal encompasses the sustainment of F-16 fighter jets and related equipment.

"The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats by increasing the reliability of their F-16 fleet," the State Department said.

"Poland has purchased sustainment support for the F-16s in its inventory for many years, and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the statement added.

Poland has expressed its interest in acquiring supplementary non-major defense equipment items and services to complement a prior FMS case with a value below the congressional notification threshold.

The original FMS case, valued at $82 million, included various items and services designed to enhance the F-16 aircraft's sustainment.

One of the key objectives of this proposed sale is to "support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," according to the State Department.

The move reinforces the United States' commitment to NATO and its dedication to strengthening its alliances.

Moreover, the State Department underlined that this sale is not expected to disrupt the existing military balance in the region, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining stability in the area.

Lockheed Martin is set to serve as the principal contractor for this transaction. Notably, there are no offset agreements currently proposed in conjunction with the potential sale, as clarified in the State Department's statement.

Another noteworthy aspect of this deal is that its implementation will not require additional US government or contractor representatives to be stationed in Poland.

The green-lighting of the sale comes days after Poland 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.

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.

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, Morawieck said.