Poland has signed a $2.5-billion (10 billion zloty) deal with the United States for an advanced air defence system. Once implemented, Poland will be the first country other than the US itself to use the system.
The Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) – which will be delivered between 2024 and 2031 – will be part of Poland’s medium-range Narew and short-range Wisla air defence programmes.
“The Polish army is getting something that is the most important thing, which is the brain of the whole system,” said defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz at a press conference alongside US ambassador Mark Brzezinski. “Poland’s sky will be safe.”
“The Wisla and Narew programmes will be the most modern in the world thanks to this system. We will be the second country after the United States with this integrated and state-of-the-art command system,” noted Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“We have seen with our own eyes in Ukraine how crucial air and missile defence is, and this order will provide Poland with the best, most modern and effective tools to defend NATO territory,” added Brzezinski. “Poland’s commitment to defence modernisation is commendable and increases our common security.”
The agreement signed on February 29 covers both the procurement of the necessary command and communications equipment for the IBCS as well as logistical and technical support and a stock of spare parts.
The deal marks the latest element of an unprecedented military spending spree Poland has embarked upon since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The former Law and Justice (PiS) government raised the defence budget to 4% of GDP – the highest relative level in NATO – and the new government, led by Donald Tusk, that took office in December 2023, pledged to continue modernising and strengthening the armed forces.
Last November, Poland agreed a GBP 4-billion air defence deal with the UK. Earlier in February, the US State Department approved the $1.2-billion sale of radar reconnaissance airships to Poland. (Notes from Poland/Business World Magazine)
