The US will sell air combat assets to Poland! ‘The Americans probably treat Poland as the most serious ally in NATO’

The decision of the US Congress is a confirmation that Americans treat Poland as probably the most serious ally in NATO – the former commander of the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade, General Tomasz Bąk, told PAP. He added that the purchased ammunition will increase the combat capabilities of the air force in particular.

As the head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced on Platform on Thursday

General Bąk emphasized that Poland desperately needs these types of weapons.

Airplanes or rocket launchers without ammunition are worthless. This ammunition increases the combat capability of our armed forces, especially the air force

– added.

According to the military officer, Congress’s decision is yet another confirmation of what the US authorities have emphasized many times: that Poland spends an appropriate percentage of GDP on defense.

Currently this is about 4%. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and this is something amazing. We can only hope that this money is spent well and wisely. Looking at these gun purchases in the US, it looks like it’s money well spent

– said General Bąk.

According to him, the Americans make it clear that Poland is the best partner in the region militarily.

Poland is also a leader in these activities in NATO. We have lived up to the trust we received 25 years ago when we joined NATO

– he said.

According to General Bąk, the current government continues the foreign policy of its predecessors when it comes to relations with the US.

I don’t see any threat of these relations deteriorating

– added the general.

Visit of the President and Prime Minister to the White House

In mid-March, simultaneously with the visit to the White House of President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the US State Department agreed to sell Poland 821 AGM-158B JASSM air-to-surface missiles with a range of almost 1,000 km. for a maximum price of PLN 1.77 billion, 745 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles for a price of up to PLN 1.7 billion and 232 short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles for a price of up to PLN 219 million.

Air-to-air missiles are missiles adapted for use by F-16 and F-35 fighters, which Poland has acquired. This is another purchase of this type of ammunition, as Poland has already purchased it from the US in recent years.

In addition, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced in mid-March that President Joe Biden plans to provide Poland with a $2 billion loan for the purchase of US weapons and offer the sale of 96 Apache attack helicopters. The US State Department formally agreed to the latter last year.

mly/PAP