Poland buys US Patriot anti-missile system for $4.8 billion
Poland signed on Wednesday a $4.75 billion (€3.8 billion) contract to purchase a US-made Patriot anti-missile system, a move that is likely to irk Russia as East-West tensions rise.
'We are signing today a contract to deliver a modern system that has proven itself in numerous countries and thanks to which we are joining an elite group of states which have an efficient weapon that guarantees security,' said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.
The first deliveries are expected in 2022.
The Patriot is a mobile air-defence system made by US defence firm Raytheon and designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.
Moscow was reported to have deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles for exercises in its Kaliningrad exclave in 2016, rattling nearby NATO members.
Tensions with Moscow have been high since the Ukraine crisis and Kremlin's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the current diplomatic spat over the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy in Britain has done nothing to calm matters.
Russia has complained about the prospect of the deployment of Patriot anti-missile systems in Poland and Romania, which it says violates a 1987 arms treaty.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2025)]()
Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2025)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2, its variants, its operational service and its future prospects.
-
![Canadian Army to progress with ACSV programme in 2025]()
Canadian Army to progress with ACSV programme in 2025
The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle will also achieve several milestones in the coming years.
-
![UK commits $2 billion to Ukraine for missiles as Europe speaks up]()
UK commits $2 billion to Ukraine for missiles as Europe speaks up
The contract builds on a previous contract with Thales which was signed in September 2024 for 650 missiles. Deliveries of these began in late 2024 and the new contract ensures continued supply.
-
![Sweden orders $131 million worth of trucks for armed forces]()
Sweden orders $131 million worth of trucks for armed forces
The deal with Volvo and Scania includes 300 4×4 truck and 300 6×6 trucks, with both orders including options for a further 200 vehicles.
