The recent decision by the United States Congress is seen by Polish defense observers as a strong signal of Poland’s status as a primary ally within NATO. Retired commander of the 21st Podhale Rifle Brigade, General Tomasz Bąk, commented that the agreement will bolster the Polish air force in particular by increasing its operational capabilities through the newly authorized ammunition purchases.
During a Platform appearance, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who leads the Ministry of National Defense, outlined the steps being taken on the matter.
General Bąk stressed that Poland has a pressing need for this category of weapons.
He noted that airplanes or rocket launchers without proper munitions are ineffective, and that the extra ammunition will enhance overall combat readiness across the armed forces, with a notable impact on air power.
The general reiterated that the congressional decision aligns with repeated messages from the U.S. authorities about Poland allocating a suitable share of its GDP to defense. At present, the figure stands around 4 percent. He praised the commitment and expressed hope that the funds will be spent wisely, pointing to the timely gun purchases in the United States as evidence of prudent use of resources.
According to General Bąk, American officials have underscored Poland’s role as a dependable and capable partner in the region. Poland, he added, also leads in NATO-related initiatives and has honored the trust placed in it when joining the alliance a quarter-century ago.
He attributed Poland’s current government with continuing the foreign policy trajectory set by its predecessors in relations with the United States, and he did not foresee any deterioration in that partnership.
White House visit by the Polish leadership
In mid-spring, alongside the visit of President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk to the White House, the U.S. State Department approved the sale to Poland of 821 AGM-158B JASSM air-to-surface missiles with nearly a 1000 km range, up to PLN 1.77 billion in total. The package also includes 745 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles for a cap of PLN 1.7 billion and 232 short-range AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles for up to PLN 219 million.
These air-to-air missiles are compatible with Poland’s F-16 and F-35 fighters, a capability Poland has expanded in recent years through multiple purchases from the United States.
Additionally, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that President Biden intends to extend a $2 billion loan to support Polish weapon acquisitions and has offered to facilitate the sale of 96 Apache attack helicopters. The State Department had signaled formal approval for the helicopter sale in the previous year.
mly/PAP
Source: wPolityce