Patriot system, photo: Dominika Zarzycka / ddp USA
Poland has signed a $2 billion deal with the United States to provide technical support and logistics for the US Patriot air defence missile systems in service with the country. The contract was signed in Warsaw with the participation of Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Firstpoint reports.
“This is a fundamental investment in the security of our country. We are doing everything necessary to protect the Polish sky,” the minister said at a press conference.
Patriot for NATO defence
The contract provides for the supply of the necessary equipment, maintenance and training for the Polish military to ensure the effective use of air defence systems. The Polish Ministry of Defence emphasises that the deal will help prepare Patriot batteries for full combat readiness under the Wisła programme, which aims to protect against short-range tactical missiles, including those that could be used by Russia.
Poland acquired the first Patriot batteries in 2018, but due to the growing military threat after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has significantly increased defence spending. In 2024, Poland became the leader among NATO countries in terms of the percentage of military spending to GDP, with 4.1% allocated to defence, and in 2025, the plan is to raise this figure to 4.7%.
Poland prepares for increased tensions in the world
Analysts believe that Warsaw is strengthening its army not only because of the immediate threat from Russia, but also because of the unpredictable foreign policy of the Donald Trump administration, which has repeatedly criticised NATO and European allies for insufficient financial participation in collective defence.
Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed to enshrine in the Constitution the obligation to spend at least 4% of GDP on defence to guarantee the stability of funding for the Armed Forces.
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