The first 14 Abrams tanks reached the port of Szczecin on Wednesday and are currently being unloaded. Poland’s military strength continues to grow day by day, and the government under Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says credibility matters, that promises are kept, and that Poland’s word is kept, as he stated on Wednesday.
Abrams tanks arriving in Szczecin
The initial elements of what is described as an extended armor shield have arrived at Szczecin port — 14 Abrams tanks are now being offloaded. The public message emphasizes that the Polish Army’s capacity is expanding with every passing day.
This development was announced by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
The rule of law equals credibility. We keep our word and we keep our promises. We defend Poland, the head of government stressed. Morawiecki recalled that during a visit to the United States in April he said that Poland would soon receive the newest Abrams tanks.
An impenetrable barrier
Crews responsible for the security of eastern Poland have already undergone training. They will take charge of the Abrams tanks, integrate them into their equipment, and form an effective barrier; they will close the Brzeska Gate, explained Mariusz Błaszczak, the minister of national defense, in Szczecin.
Members of the 1st Armored Brigade of Warsaw, part of the 18th Mechanized Division, have completed training. They are prepared to assume command of these tanks, integrate them into their forces, and help establish an unwavering barrier. They will seal the Brzeska Gate, he noted.
He recalled that it is Poland’s responsibility to close this gate, deter any potential aggressor, and prevent intruders from entering Polish soil.
The defense minister also underscored that Poland is the first country outside the United States to field Abrams tanks in the latest variant.
An alliance that safeguards Poland and the eastern flank
Morawiecki highlighted that this is the first company delivered this year, consisting of 14 tanks. He indicated that more tanks will arrive this year to form a complete Abrams tank battalion.
Blaszczak characterized these as among the best tanks in the world and reiterated that Poland stands as the first country apart from the United States to possess Abrams tanks in the latest version. He added that the initial delivery of the newest variant would occur next year.
He described today as a demonstration of the strength of the Polish-American alliance, a partnership that serves Poland’s security and also the broader eastern wing of NATO, contributing to the safety of the entire free world. He also warned against threats stemming from Russian imperial policy.
Reinforcement of the Polish army
Earlier this week, the defense minister announced on TV that the shipment of the first Abrams tanks ordered in January would reach Szczecin-Świnoujście. These are tanks formerly used by the US Marine Corps that Poland purchased in January. The first delivery includes 14 tanks, with two more expected this year to complete the company and another one scheduled for next year to form a battalion.
Next year, the first batch of 250 brand-new vehicles in the latest variant is expected to arrive, following a 2022 order. The order, valued at about 4.7 billion dollars, involves 250 Abrams in the most modern M1A21 SEPv3 version to be delivered between 2024 and 2026.
Earlier this year, a contract was signed for the supply of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks and related equipment, including 12 M88 Hercules recovery vehicles, assault bridges, and command vehicles. The deal totals around 1.4 billion dollars net, with nearly 200 million supported by US relief funds for Poland. The United States also agreed to supply munitions, including low-caliber rounds with a depleted uranium core.
Tanks and other gear are scheduled for delivery in 2023-2024. The tanks, previously used by the US Marine Corps, are undergoing major modernization and will be delivered with the odometer reset completed. The purchase of 116 Abrams units from the Marine Corps was intended to accelerate equipment replenishment following donations to Ukraine. Poland was the first European and first NATO member outside the United States to acquire Abrams tanks.
READ ALSO: The first ship with Abrams tanks is already in Szczecin. The defense minister says Poland will have the strongest land army in Europe within two years. The latest purchases will be showcased in Warsaw on August 15 this year, and Europe is playing a central role in supporting Ukraine, not just the United States. – wkt/PAP
Source: wPolityce
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