US approves sale of $1.33 billion worth of missiles to Poland

The United States announced on Tuesday that it had approved the sale of air defense missiles worth $1.33 billion (1.17 billion euros) to Poland.

According to foreign media, the package includes 400 AIM-120D medium-range air-to-air missiles.

In addition, Warsaw will also receive guidance system kits, spare parts, transport containers, as well as access to the American software needed to operate the missiles.

The US State Department approved the potential sale and the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said it had provided Congress with the necessary notifications for further approval.

"The proposed sale will enhance Poland's capabilities to meet current and future threats by providing air-to-air defense to protect Polish and allied forces in transition or combat and will significantly enhance the Polish contribution to NATO requirements," DSCA said in a statement.

Washington says the sale is consistent with its foreign policy goals of ensuring that its allies, particularly those in NATO, act as a "force for political and economic stability in Europe."

The sale comes as Warsaw seeks to meet its target of increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by next year, a key demand of US President Donald Trump for NATO members.

Last week, Estonia, also a NATO member, announced a multi-billion euro bill in additional defense spending.

Poland says it is committed to increasing military investment to better equip itself against any potential threat after Russia's full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. /Telegraph/