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Poland has secured approval for a potential purchase of a large tranche of the main battle tanks.
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The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale of 116 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks to Poland for approximately US$3.75 billion (AU$5.6 billion).
The deal also includes the purchase of:
- 12 M88A2 Hercules Combat Recovery Vehicles;
- eight M1110 Joint Assault Bridges;
- six M577A3 command vehicles;
- 26 M1152A1 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV);
- 26 M1279A1 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV);
- 116 M2 .50 calibre machine guns;
- 232 M240 7.62mm machine guns;
- six AGT1500 gas turbine engines; and
- supporting ammunition.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) noted in a statement.
“The proposed sale will improve Poland’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations.”
Poland’s Abrams order forms part of the nation’s broader military modernisation strategy.
In September, the NATO member confirmed plans to acquire 96 Boeing-built AH-64 Apache helicopters for the Polish Army as part of its KRUK Attack Helicopter program.
The announcement followed a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The attack helicopters would be deployed by the 18th Mechanized Division, which operates Abrams tanks.
These military acquisitions come amid mounting tensions in eastern Europe, particularly off the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Poland has backed the Ukrainian resistance, supplying military equipment to Ukrainian forces.
Neighbouring countries have also bolstered investment in military capability in response to the breakout in conflict.
Just this month, the US approved two potential foreign military sales to the government of Finland, which is seeking membership of NATO.
Finland’s purchase requests include the provision of tactical and portable Stinger missile systems.
[Related: Poland unveils Apache acquisition plans ]
