Norway scrambled two F-35A stealth fighters from Poland in response to Russian missile strikes targeting Ukraine. Lt. Col. Eivind Byre of the Royal Norwegian Air Force stated the jets were deployed to protect Polish airspace as part of NATO’s collective defense. The scramble coincided with a large-scale Russian attack involving over 40 missiles and 70 drones aimed at Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Norwegian F-35s and a NASAMS air defense system are stationed in Poland to safeguard critical logistics hubs. This mission, part of NATO operations, is expected to conclude in April. Original news
Category: Poland
Poland buys Krab SPHs, K9 support vehicles, and Rosomak APCs
Poland’s Armaments Agency has signed a PLN16.5 billion contract with Huta Stalowa Wola to procure Krab self-propelled howitzers and support vehicles for K9 SPHs. The agreement includes the delivery of over 250 vehicles to the Polish army between 2027 and 2029. Poland also plans to acquire at least 654 artillery systems from South Korea, emphasizing a robust modernization of its military capabilities. Production of K9PL units will initially take place in South Korea before transitioning to Poland in 2026. This deal reflects Poland’s strategic investment in enhancing its artillery and defense infrastructure. Original news
Poland declares capability for Wisła medium-range air defence system
Poland’s Ministry of National Defense announced the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of the first battery of the Wisła medium-range air defense program on December 18. The system is built around Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), chosen in 2018 to modernize Poland’s air defense capabilities. A second battery is expected to achieve IOC by the end of 2024, further enhancing Poland’s defense posture. In addition, the US and Polish governments signed an agreement in February to integrate IBCS into Poland’s Narew short-range air defense program. These developments signify Poland’s commitment to strengthening its air defense systems and NATO interoperability.Original […]
Poland Achieves Initial Operational Capability for Wisła Air Defense System
Poland’s Ministry of National Defense announced Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the first battery of the Wisła medium-range air defense program on December 18. The system relies on Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), chosen in 2018 as part of Poland’s military modernization efforts. A second battery is expected to reach IOC by the end of 2024, further enhancing Poland’s air defense capabilities. In February, the U.S. and Polish governments signed an agreement to extend the use of IBCS to Poland’s Narew short-range air defense program. These advancements mark significant progress in Poland’s efforts to strengthen its national and […]
Poland and General Atomics Reach Deal on SkyGuardians
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. announced on Monday the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones to Poland. The agreement also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations and a three-year SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions package. The MQ-9B model is widely utilized by military forces such as the U.S. Navy and the Royal Air Force, reflecting its global operational significance. Original news
Poland buys Sky Guardian drones as it readies to launch ‘Drone Force’
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a $310 million agreement on December 12 to procure MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones for the Polish Armed Forces, advancing the establishment of a new Drone Force set to launch on January 1. The MQ-9B drones will replace the currently leased MQ-9A models, providing enhanced capabilities for Poland’s security and strengthening ties with the United States. The Ministry of National Defence plans to integrate the drones into its arsenal by the first quarter of 2027. This procurement reflects Poland’s response to increased regional demand for UAVs amid security challenges posed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. […]
Poland wants more NATO members to help police Baltic Sea
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has called for greater NATO involvement in policing the Baltic Sea to counter potential threats from Russia. At the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, Poland plans to push for increased naval contributions from European nations like Germany and France. Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Poland’s substantial defense investments, including major purchases of U.S. equipment, as key to showcasing Europe’s self-reliance and securing continued American support. While Norway has deployed F-35 fighters to safeguard Polish airspace, Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Poland’s MiG-29 jets cannot yet be sent to Ukraine, citing unmet conditions for Poland’s complete security. His remarks underscore […]
Saab to supply Giraffe radars to US Air Force in Europe
Saab will deliver multiple Giraffe 4A radar systems to the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) under a $48 million contract from BAE Systems, with deliveries starting in 2027. The systems will enhance long-range surveillance and air base defense in a mobile configuration for USAFE operations. USAFE oversees seven main air bases in Europe, including Poland’s 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. This base hosted 12 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron in 2022, reflecting its strategic importance. The radar deployment underscores ongoing efforts to bolster U.S. and allied air defense capabilities in Europe. Original news
Poland gets $4 billion US loan for defence purchases
Poland has signed a $4 billion loan under the United States’ Foreign Military Financing program to support its armed forces transformation, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced. The U.S. has provided Poland with over $11 billion for armament programs, including Patriot air defense systems and Apache helicopters. Poland plans to allocate 4.1% of its GDP to defense in 2024, with a pledge to increase this to 4.7% by 2025. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the American ballistic missile defense base in Redzikowo, which will be integrated into the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. This reflects Poland’s commitment […]
First F-35 for Poland makes maiden flight
The first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II for Poland completed its maiden flight on December 2 at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in Texas. Aircraft 3502, flown by a company pilot, will undergo flight trials before joining 3501 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training. Poland’s first pilot is expected to begin flying the F-35A in January 2025. Named “Husarz” by Poland’s Ministry of National Defence, the aircraft will feature low-visibility greyed-out checkerboard markings to preserve stealth capabilities. This marks a significant milestone in Poland’s modernization of its air force. Original news
Norway to send F-35 fighter jets, air defence systems to Poland
Norway’s defense ministry announced plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland’s Rzeszow airport, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine. Starting in early December, Norway will also send around 100 soldiers to safeguard the airspace above the airport. Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram emphasized Poland’s critical role in supporting Ukraine, ensuring aid reaches its destination. This deployment underscores Norway’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The initiative highlights international collaboration to maintain the flow of military support to Ukraine. Original news
Poland orders hundreds of AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles
Poland has placed an order for hundreds of RTX AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles for its Western-built combat aircraft. The Armaments Agency announced that 232 missiles will be delivered between 2028 and 2030. While the contract value wasn’t disclosed, the U.S. government approved a sale of 232 Sidewinders for $219.1 million in March. These missiles will be used by the Polish Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon and Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 jets. They will also equip the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II when it begins arriving in Poland from 2025.Original news
Poland Boosts Drone Purchases in 24,4 Million Dollar Deal
Poland has enhanced its surveillance capabilities by purchasing 52 FlyEye drones for 100 million zlotys ($24.49 million), as announced by Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. These drones, produced by WB Electronics, are already in use by the Polish military and have seen action in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Alongside the purchase, Poland will inaugurate a drone military inspectorate in January to streamline UAV strategy and standardize operator training across the armed forces. Kosiniak-Kamysz also disclosed Poland’s advocacy for increased EU defense funding during its upcoming EU presidency and confirmed plans to boost national defense spending to 4.7% of GDP […]
US Opens Missile Base In Poland
The United States will open a new air defense base in northern Poland on Wednesday, aimed at bolstering NATO’s security presence amid regional concerns following Donald Trump’s presidential election. Located in Redzikowo near the Baltic coast, this base has been in development since the 2000s and symbolizes Poland’s enduring alliance with the U.S. Known as “Aegis Ashore,” it is part of NATO’s missile defense system designed to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The broader defense system also includes a second Aegis Ashore site in Romania, U.S. Navy destroyers in Rota, Spain, and an early-warning radar in Kurecik, Turkey. This […]
Lockheed set to provide Sniper pods for Polish FA-50s
Lockheed Martin announced it will supply Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods to Poland for integration with the FA-50 light attack jets from Korea Aerospace Industries. This package includes targeting pods with two-way datalinks, support systems, and spare parts, though no delivery timeline has been specified. The Sniper ATPs are expected to enhance the FA-50s’ ability to identify, track, and engage targets from a safe distance, boosting Poland’s tactical capabilities. While the exact number of pods was not disclosed, a U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notification from May 2023 estimated that 34 pods might be delivered. This deal reflects Poland’s ongoing efforts […]