Poland plans to buy 250 M1 Abrams tanks from the US as part of a deal worth approximately $6bn, announced the country’s Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.
The latest move comes as the Nato member seeks to further boost its defence capabilities.
Poland intends to enhance its security as it has seen increased ‘assertiveness’ from Russia since Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, reported Reuters.
At a news conference, Blaszczak said: “Of course this is a response to the challenges we face in terms of international security.
“Our task is to deter a potential aggressor. We all know where that aggressor is.”
The deal is expected to significantly expand Poland’s modern tank capacities.
Approximately $6bn would be spent on the Abrams tanks, alongside an associated logistical and training package. The deal would also include upgrading infrastructure and buying ammunition.
According to Polish officials, the first deliveries could be received by 2022.
In May this year, Poland announced its plans buy 24 armed drones from Turkey. It is the first Nato member to buy Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The M1 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978, the M1A1 in 1985 and the M1A2 in 1986.
Lat December, General Dynamics secured a $4.6bn fixed-price-incentive contract to deliver M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks for the US Army.
