Poland signs contract to manufacture 48 Patriot launchers on its soil
Photo: Poland will produce Patriot launchers on its territory (Getty Images)
Poland has signed a $1.23 billion contract to produce 48 M903 launchers for Patriot air defense systems, according to Reuters.
"These launchers... will be produced in Poland," Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said during a visit to Sochaczew in central Poland.
The contract was signed between Raytheon Polska and the Polish company PGZ Huta Stalowa Wola. (Patriot systems are manufactured by the American company Raytheon).
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has made defense a top priority for NATO's eastern flank, and Poland has increased spending to around 4% of GDP this year as it seeks to strengthen its armed forces.
Polish President Andrzej Duda proposed to NATO member states to increase defense spending from 2 to 3% of GDP.
Poland purchases weapons systems from various countries. Poland is pursuing a massive military modernization program, including the purchase of American defense equipment such as F-35 jets, Patriot missile systems, and Abrams main battle tanks.
In July, the United States granted Poland a $2 billion loan under the Foreign Military Financing Program.
