Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed discussions with France on a European nuclear umbrella, signaling Poland’s interest in enhancing its strategic security. Tusk emphasized that modern weapons, including nuclear capabilities, are crucial for Poland’s defense, raising speculation about shifting security alliances. Analysts believe this move sends a message to the U.S., as concerns over NATO’s reliability grow under the Trump administration’s policies toward Russia. Poland is already acquiring 32 F-35 fighter jets, certified to carry U.S. B61-12 tactical nuclear weapons, but these jets cannot deploy French nuclear arms. If Poland pursues a nuclear partnership with France, it may need alternative […]
Category: Poland
Embraer Offers KC-390 to Poland, Considers Local Assembly Line
Embraer is proposing its KC-390 tactical transport and tanker for the Polish Air Force, while also exploring Poland as a potential European assembly hub. The Brazilian aerospace company sees Poland as a key strategic partner, with plans that could generate $1 billion in value and 600 jobs. Embraer Defense & Security CCO Frederico Lemos emphasized that Poland is “more than a customer, but a long-term operational and industrial partner.” Poland currently operates four Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports and has a growing need for additional transport and refueling capabilities. The proposal aligns with Poland’s push to expand its defense industry […]
Sweden Deploys Gripen Jets to Poland for First NATO Air-Defense Mission
Sweden will send Saab Gripen combat aircraft to Poland, marking its first overseas air-defense deployment in support of NATO operations. Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced on March 6 that the Swedish Air Force will deploy up to eight Gripens for two NATO air-defense missions, including protection for Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine. This mission represents the first time Swedish combat aircraft will participate in NATO Air Policing from allied territory, with operations set for April to June 2025. In addition to the Gripens, Sweden will also contribute Saab 340/ASC 890 Erieye early warning aircraft, S 102B Korpen intelligence-gathering planes, […]
Poland Weighs Airbus and Boeing Bids for New Transport and Refueling Aircraft
The Polish Ministry of National Defence is advancing plans to acquire new transport and refueling aircraft, with Airbus and Boeing competing for the contracts. Poland is considering accelerating air refueling capabilities under the Karkonosze program, which will support its F-16 fleet and future F-35 fighters, expected in 2026. Airbus’ A330 MRTT and A400M are being evaluated, while Boeing is promoting its KC-46 tanker and F-15EX fighter jets. The decision follows Poland’s $10 billion deal for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters in August 2024. The acquisitions reflect Poland’s ongoing military modernization and NATO commitments. Original news
Poland Signs $300M Lease for Apache Helicopters Ahead of Major Fleet Expansion
Poland has signed a $300 million leasing agreement with the U.S. for eight Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters to train pilots and maintainers. The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) announced on February 27 that these helicopters will prepare crews for the future delivery of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians under Poland’s Kruk program. Secretary of State Paweł Bejda confirmed that Polish instructors are currently in training, with the AH-64D units serving as a transitional model until 2028. The AH-64E helicopters will significantly enhance Poland’s combat and reconnaissance capabilities, making it the second-largest Apache operator after the U.S.. The deal reflects […]
Poland and Slovakia Strengthen Defense Ties with Joint Ammunition and Tank Production
Poland and Slovakia have signed a letter of intent to jointly produce ammunition and collaborate on armored vehicle, tank, and air defense procurement. The agreement, announced Tuesday in Warsaw, aims to enhance defense cooperation between the two nations. Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kaliňák stated that Slovakia is considering BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 and KNDS’ Leopard 2A8 tanks for its next-generation fleet. The deal underscores Central Europe’s growing focus on military modernization and regional defense partnerships. Poland and Slovakia seek to boost production capabilities and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. Original news
EU Pushes for UK Nuclear Umbrella Amid Fears of U.S. Security Shift
EU governments are urging Britain to extend its nuclear deterrence to Europe, fearing a reduced U.S. security commitment under Donald Trump. Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, is negotiating a €200 billion emergency defense fund with the Social Democrats. A European diplomat stressed that Britain and France must lead European security discussions, as they are the continent’s only nuclear powers. Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski echoed the sentiment, stating that Europe’s defense is unimaginable without the UK. The push reflects growing European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amid global uncertainty. Original news
Poland, Finland, and Baltics Strengthen Defenses Amid Rising Russia Concerns
European nations, including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States, are ramping up their defense systems in response to perceived threats from Russia. Poland is investing €2.5 billion in border defenses, including a missile defense system modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of the initiative, calling for a European missile defense shield. Meanwhile, Germany has spent €30-40 billion on F-35A fighters and over €60 billion on ammunition and missiles since 2022, while the UK is reviewing its military strategy amid equipment cuts. The growing investments highlight Europe’s urgency in strengthening its defenses against evolving […]
Northrop Grumman Wins $899.6 Million Contract to Boost Poland’s Air Defense
Northrop Grumman has secured an $899.6 million contract to provide its Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) to strengthen Poland’s air and missile defense. The deal builds on Poland’s previous adoption of IBCS in 2018 and follows a $4 billion military sale agreement signed in 2023. Northrop Grumman Vice President Kenn Todorov emphasized that expanding IBCS capabilities will help the U.S. Army and allies like Poland stay ahead of evolving threats. The company has also expanded its presence in Huntsville, Alabama, where it now employs around 2,000 people. The contract underscores Poland’s commitment to modernizing its defense systems in partnership with […]
The rudimentary drone-planes threatening Russian territory
Ukrainian forces are increasingly using modified light aircraft, such as the E-300 SkyRanger, to carry out strikes deep into Russian territory. These drones, capable of carrying significant payloads, were recently deployed in a major attack on Russia’s Novozybkov oil pumping station, highlighting Ukraine’s growing reliance on drone warfare. With limited long-range missile capabilities, Ukraine is focusing on disrupting Russian infrastructure, though analysts question the overall effectiveness of these strikes against Russia’s economic and military resilience. On January 14, Ukraine launched its largest attack yet, using six British Storm Shadow missiles, U.S.-made ATACMS, and 146 drones to strike targets nearly 700 […]
Northrop Grumman Secures $1.4 Billion in IBCS Contracts, Strengthening U.S.-Poland Defense Ties
Northrop Grumman has secured $1.4 billion in new contracts for the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). A $481 million contract covers software development and integration with Poland’s air defense network. An additional $899.6 million deal focuses on integrating Polish sensors and the UK’s CAMM system. The Army plans to invest approximately $5 billion in IBCS over the next five years. The contracts strengthen IBCS as a key multinational air defense system. Original news
Germany Deploys Patriot Air-Defense Systems to Poland
Germany has deployed two Patriot air-defense systems to Poland, the Bundeswehr announced on February 7. The mission, which began in mid-January, involves 100 vehicles and 200 personnel from Germany’s Surface-to-Air Missile Group 21, replacing a U.S. Patriot unit stationed in Poland for over two years. The six-month deployment includes a command center and support personnel to strengthen regional air defenses. While the U.S. continues providing Avenger systems, Norway has stationed F-35A fighter jets and NASAMS units to enhance security. The move reinforces NATO’s collective defense posture amid ongoing regional tensions. Original news
Poland buys over 200 US AGM-88G missiles for $745 mln
Poland has signed a $745 million contract with the United States to purchase over 200 AGM-88G advanced anti-radiation missiles, the Polish defense ministry announced on Tuesday. The missiles, designed for F-35 fighter jets, will be delivered between 2029 and 2035, aligning with Poland’s scheduled acquisition of the jets in 2026. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the investment in modern equipment, stating that the AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles will significantly enhance Poland’s air force and operational capabilities. “Today’s agreement marks a huge progress in the field of operational capabilities of our army,” he said. The purchase is part of Poland’s ongoing military […]
German Patriot units in Poland will be operational by Monday
Two German Patriot air defense units in southeastern Poland will be fully operational by Monday, according to German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. These units are deployed to protect Jasionka, a vital hub for military and humanitarian supplies to Ukraine, and will remain near the Polish-Ukrainian border for six months. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Jasionka’s critical role, with over 90% of aid to Ukraine passing through it. Germany will also send Eurofighter jets to Poland this summer for air policing, further strengthening regional defense. This deployment complements Norway’s December stationing of F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems […]
First Polish F-35s depart Lockheed factory for pilot training work in Arkansas
Poland’s first two Lockheed Martin F-35As have departed Fort Worth, Texas, to begin pilot training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. This milestone marks Poland’s progress toward fielding a modern fighter force, with plans to operate 32 F-35As by 2030. Brigadier General Chad Bridges emphasized the significance of this event for Arkansas, the U.S., and its allies. The Ebbing base is expanding its capacity for F-35 Foreign Military Sales pilot training, complementing the current program at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. This development underscores the strengthening of Poland’s defense capabilities and its collaboration with the U.S. in […]