Defence minister okays military equipment supply deals

Poland's defence minister has approved several contracts for new equipment to enhance the country’s air defence systems.

The deals signed on Tuesday by Mariusz Błaszczak at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in the southern town of Kielce cover a variety of equipment including short-range anti-aircraft missile systems and nearly 1,700 unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Polish government has been eager to upgrade its defences against air attacks, and in 2018 initiated the Wisła medium-range air-defence programme.

"We are very satisfied that the Polish Army is developing in such a dynamic way," Błaszczak said during the ceremony, adding that the signed agreements would strengthen Poland's security.

"Particularly noteworthy," he said, "is the agreement on the construction of a multi-layer air and missile defence system."

Błaszczak also said that he has already approved the contract for the second phase of the Patriot system, which forms part of the Wisła programme.

"We are building this top anti-aircraft and anti-missile defence system laboriously, and with success," he added.

The multi-layered air-defence system will comprise of mid-range US-made Patriot missiles, the short-range Narew missile, and the very short-range Poprad and Pilica missile platforms.