Poland signals deal to purchase 2nd batch of U.S. Abrams tanks
WARSAW, Poland — Poland’s protection minister on Wednesday signed a offer to invest in a 2nd batch of U.S Abrams key battle tanks as Warsaw beefs up its defensive capabilities and strengthens military cooperation with Washington in gentle of Russia’s war in neighboring Ukraine.
Officers mentioned Poland is the very first U.S. ally in Europe to be obtaining Abrams tanks.
Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed the $1.4 billion deal at a military services foundation in Wesola, in close proximity to Warsaw. The settlement foresees the delivery of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks with linked machines and logistics starting this year.
“We are strengthening Poland’s armed forces, we are strengthening the iron fist of the Polish military in buy to boost the electricity to deter the aggressor,” claimed Blaszczak, who is also a deputy key minister.
He reported cooperation amongst Poland and the U.S. is strengthening the stability of the whole area and particularly of the jap flank of NATO.
Attending the signing ceremony had been U.S. deputy main of mission in Poland Daniel Lawton and U.S. Brig. Gen. John Lubas, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, components of which are stationed in southeastern Poland near to the border with Ukraine.
Lawton reported the U.S-Poland partnership “has hardly ever been more important” and that the tank deal was element of U.S. President Joe Biden’s pledge to present “our strongest and most dependable armed forces capabilities to Poland on an urgent basis.”
The deal follows past year’s $4.7 billion agreement for the acquisition of 250 upgraded M1A2 Abrams tanks that will be sent in 2025-26. Poland is also awaiting shipping of U.S. HIMARS artillery techniques and has presently obtained Patriot missile batteries.
Poland has also signed other, multibillion greenback promotions for the urgent order of tanks, howitzers and fighter jets from South Korea. The 1st supply of tanks and howitzers arrived in December. Some of the weapons will make up for arms Poland has by now offered to Ukraine.