Poland’s defense procurement agency inked a significant contract with the United States for the acquisition of several hundred AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, a critical component of the nation’s growing defense capabilities. Manufactured by American defense giant RTX, the deal is valued at an impressive $850 million.
Poland’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Paweł Bejda, announced via social media that these advanced missiles are slated for delivery to the Polish Armed Forces between 2029 and 2033. The AMRAAM missiles will serve as the primary air-to-air weaponry for Poland’s fleet of F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Polish Air Force. Additionally, there is potential for these missiles to be integrated with the FA-50 jets, recently acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).
While the Polish government has not disclosed the exact number of AMRAAMs included in the contract, it’s noteworthy that in March, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of up to 745 missiles to Poland, along with 50 LAU-129 aircraft missile launchers. That potential deal was initially valued at $1.69 billion by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), indicating the scale and strategic importance of Poland’s recent defense investments.
This acquisition marks a crucial step in Poland’s ongoing efforts to bolster its air defense capabilities amid increasing regional security concerns. By equipping its air force with these state-of-the-art missiles, Poland is significantly enhancing its ability to defend its airspace and contribute to NATO’s collective security framework.
