The US State Department approved the sale of 20 High Mobilityar Artillery Rocket System Launchers (HIMARS) and associated support equipment to Poland last week, with the deal worth an estimated $414 million.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak have made a joint formal announcement on Warsaw's intent to buy the US weapons system on Sunday afternoon, the Polish Defence Ministry announced on its official website.
Speaking at a ceremony in Warsaw, Defence Minister Blaszczak said that the purchase of the US-made system will be formalised on Wednesday, with the “modern equipment” helping to “guarantee” Poland's security.
“Minister @mblaszczak: On Wednesday we will sign a contract for the delivery of a HIMARS battalion. It's modern equipment that guarantees us security.”
“Meeting of Prime Minister @MorawieckiM and Minister @mblaszczak with command staff of the 1st Warsaw Armoured Brigade #Wesola.”
The ceremony comes following Washington's decision to approve the sale of the multiple rocket launcher system to Poland late last year.
“This is an extremely important component in the implementation of the modernisation program of the Polish Armed Forces. Together with rocket launchers, Poland will receive munitions, as well as a package of logistics and training,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Produced by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, the M142 HIMARs…
