Poland secures agreement for acquisition of 48 Patriot system launchers

WARSAW, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — Poland signed on Monday a contract with Raytheon Polska and PGZ Huta Stalowa Wola for the production of 48 M903 launchers, which will be integrated into the Patriot air defense systems, according to the Polish defense minister.
During a visit to Sochaczew in central Poland, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the 48 M903 launchers, worth 1.23 billion U.S. dollars, will be produced in Poland.
Poland has significantly increased its defense spending to approximately 4 percent of its GDP this year, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its armed forces.
According to the Polish defense ministry, the United States last month provided Poland with a loan of 2 billion U.S. dollars to fund its purchase of American air and missile defense systems. ■