Poland will build in 10 years its own missile defense system based on the US Patriot missile system, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Bartosz Kownacki said Monday.
WARSAW (Sputnik) — On July 6, the Polish Defense Ministry and the United States signed a memorandum on the delivery of US Patriot missile systems to Poland.
“Today, we are not equipped if we talk about the missile defense system… In 10 years, we will have an effective missile defense system,” Kownacki said on the air of TVN24 broadcaster, commenting on the purchase of Patriot systems.
The deputy defense minister confirmed that Warsaw had allocated $7.5 billion to purchase the US missile systems, and this money had already been guaranteed by the state budget.
The intention to acquire Patriot system operational capacities was announced by Polish authorities in late March. The country is expected to receive eight batteries.
Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude, air defense system capable of countering tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft.