Poland to Purchase Long-Range JASSM-ER Missiles for F-16s from US.

On May 28, 2024, Poland announced its decision to purchase long-range JASSM-ER air-to-surface missiles from the United States for $735 million, marking a significant step in bolstering its defense capabilities. This acquisition, part of the rapid modernization of the Polish army, comes amid heightened security concerns due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The contract, to be signed by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, outlines deliveries of these missiles from 2026 to 2030.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

US Air Force Major Jacob Rohrbach of the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, released the first JASSM-ER from an F-16 over the Gulf of Mexico on September 19, 2018 (Picture source: US DoD)

The JASSM-ER missiles, with a range of approximately 1,000 km, are intended to enhance Poland's ability to target threats far from the front lines, a capability deemed crucial by the Polish Ministry of Defense. This decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Poland's deterrence capabilities against potential Russian aggression. The US Congress approved the sale of various air defense missiles to Poland in March, following the US State Department’s approval earlier that month.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) published three approvals from the US Department of State for the potential sale to Poland of nearly 1,800 air missiles of three types for a total value of $3.7 billion. The first approval involves the sale of 821 AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER cruise missiles, including classified test equipment, weapon system support, integration support and equipment, test delivery and support for classified software, unclassified publications, technical documentation, transport, and engineering, technical, and logistics support from Lockheed Martin, with an estimated total cost of $1.77 billion.

The second approval covers the potential sale of 745 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, 16 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guidance sections, and 50 LAU-129 weapon racks. This package includes AIM-120 CATM training missiles, missile transport containers and spare control section parts, built-in ammunition testing equipment, computer test set adapters, ammunition support and auxiliary equipment, spare and repair parts, consumable materials, accessories, and support for repairs and returns, contract logistics support, delivery and support for classified software, classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training support, transport support, surveys and studies, and engineering, technical, and logistics support services from RTX, with an estimated total cost of $1.69 billion.

The third approval involves the potential sale of 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II short-range tactical missiles and an additional 16 guidance sections. This package includes missile transport containers, training aids, active optical target detectors, spare parts, auxiliary equipment, missile support, technical support from RTX, and other related logistics and program support elements, with an estimated total cost of $219.1 million.

In addition to the JASSM-ER missiles, Poland has also requested other advanced military equipment from the United States, including up to 745 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II Tactical Missiles, bringing the total estimated cost to $3.68 billion. US President Joe Biden reaffirmed America's commitment to Poland during a meeting with Polish leaders in March, emphasizing that Poland remains a critical NATO ally. He also announced a new $2 billion Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loan to Poland to support its defense modernization.

The JASSM-ER missile, developed by the US for the Air Force and international partners, features advanced capabilities, including a low-observable airframe designed to penetrate enemy air defenses and a range allowing for strategic strikes from safe distances. Poland already operates JASSM missiles with a range of 370 km, integrated with its US-made F-16 combat aircraft. The new acquisition of JASSM-ER missiles will significantly extend Poland's strike capabilities.

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, Poland has been accelerating its defense initiatives, including increasing its defense budget to around 4% of GDP, the highest among NATO countries. This budgetary increase has facilitated several billion-dollar military equipment purchases from the United States and South Korea, aimed at strengthening Poland’s defense infrastructure and operational readiness.