Poland Signs $4.75 Billion Agreement For Patriot Missile Defense Systems

Poland has signed a multi-billion dollar deal with the US firm Raytheon to purchase combat proven Patriot missile defense system on Wednesday.

The agreement worth $4.75 billion is the largest weapons procurement deal in Poland’s history. According to Raytheon, the deal formally referred to as a Letter of Offer and Acceptance, paves the way for Poland's Patriot force to rapidly reach Initial Operational Capability, and sets the stage for the U.S. government to begin contract negotiations with Raytheon and its industry partners.

"Poland joins the now 15 nation strong group of countries which trust Patriot to defend their citizens, military and sovereignty," said Wes Kremer, President of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. "Poland's procurement of Patriot strengthens Trans-Atlantic partnership and security by enabling a common approach to Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and creating jobs in the US and Poland."

The first deliveries are expected in 2022.

Prior to signing the LOA, Poland agreed to an industrial-participation proposal offered by Raytheon and its industry partners. To facilitate Poland's self-sufficiency, which is required by Polish law, Raytheon will transfer technology to the extent permitted by US law and regulations.

This LOA is for Phase I of "WISLA," Poland's two-phase medium-range Integrated Air and Missile Defense procurement. Under Phase II, Poland has stated it intends to acquire additional Patriot fire units, Gallium-Nitride-based 360-degree Active Electronically Scanning Array Radar, and SkyCeptor, a low-cost interceptor missile.

According to Raytheon information, the Patriot system has been used by five nations in more than 200 combat engagements against manned and unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles. Since January of 2015, Patriot has intercepted more than 100 ballistic missiles in combat operations around the world.