Poland buys AGM-158B-2 JASSM, AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AIM-120C-8 missiles from the US at a cost of more than $3bn
The United States State Department has approved the sale of a large number of missiles to Poland.
Here's What We Know
We are talking about 821 AGM-158B-2 JASSM cruise missiles worth $1.77 billion, 232 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles worth $219.1 million and 745 AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles worth $1.69 billion. There is no information yet on when the first arms deliveries will begin.
According to a statement from the Defence Cooperation Agency, the sale of the missiles to Poland will contribute to US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of the NATO member country.
Flashback
TheAGM-158B JASSM-ER is an American high-precision air-to-ground cruise missile. It is developed by Lockheed Martin. The missile is designed to hit important, highly protected targets in any weather conditions, at any time of day and from distances outside the range of air defence systems. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER has a range of up to 980 kilometres.
TheAIM-9X Sidewinder Block II is an air-to-air missile. Development of the Block II version began 15 years ago. The missile has the ability to capture the target already after launch, using the aircraft's on-board equipment.
TheAIM-120C-8 is one of several modifications of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile. It has a maximum launch range of 180 kilometres, a two-way communication system and an advanced GPS-corrected inertial navigation system.
