Amid a surge in Polish military spending, the agreement, marking the start of phase II of the “Wisła” air defense program, will lead to the production and delivery of the missile launchers between 2027 and 2029.
Each Patriot system includes six such launchers.
“Air and missile defense is something that takes many years to build. Our philosophy is to put security first,” Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said following the signing of the agreement on Monday.
He added: “There is no better investment than in the defense industry and the armed forces. This reflects the extent of our responsibility.”
Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW SA) will fully manufacture the new launchers in Poland, he pointed out.
The contract involves several Polish defense companies supplying key components to HSW. These include launcher actuators, Data Link Terminal Modules (DLTMs), support containers, transport vehicles, and elements of the missiles and radar systems.
Wisła program
In the first phase of the Wisła program, Poland acquired two Patriot missile defense batteries configured with PAC-3 MSE missiles and the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), a networked system that enhances the coordination and control of air defense operations.
The acquisition was the result of an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2018 between the Polish defense ministry and Washington.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said that acquiring these technologies from the U.S. is a sign of the trust that America places in Poland.
“Poland was the first and only country to obtain an IBCS system,” he added.
The ongoing second phase of the Wisła program includes plans to procure military equipment for three battalions, consisting of six additional batteries, under agreements made with the United States.
