The United States has welcomed an announcement from NATO ally Poland that it plans to buy US patriot missiles. Poland will enter into exclusive talks
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The United States has welcomed an announcement from NATO ally Poland that it plans to buy US patriot missiles.
Poland will enter into exclusive talks with the US government on the Patriot missile defence system.
It plans to buy eight missile batteries by 2025 including two within three years of signing.
Poland has been modernising its military since Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula last year, which prompted great concern among NATO members in eastern Europe.
“I would like to emphasise the urgency, because of the danger and threats within our immediate area,” explained Polish president Bronislaw Komorowski. “It is very important we do not waste time, and that we make quick decision.”
Warsaw also named French Airbus helicopters as its prefered choice in a 3-billion-pound chopper tender, dropping US and Italian competitors.
A Polish official said France’s decision to suspend delivery of warships to Russia had nothing to do with Poland’s decision to buy French helicopters.