The United States has approved the sale of Javelin Missile Systems and support equipment to Poland, a deal estimated at $780 million, as Warsaw strengthens its defences against growing threats from Russia.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed on Thursday that the Polish government requested 2,506 FGM-148F Javelin missiles and 253 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units. The shoulder-fired missile system is widely used against tanks, armoured vehicles, bunkers, and low-flying aircraft.
Alongside the missiles, the package includes simulation rounds, battery coolant units, toolkits, spare parts, and training support. U.S. government and contractor assistance will also be provided. The DSCA has notified Congress of the proposed sale, which still requires approval.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe,” the DSCA said. It added that the deal would modernise Poland’s defence systems, expand its inventory, and enhance its ability to protect sovereign territory while meeting NATO requirements.
The approval comes just a week after Polish and NATO forces shot down more than 20 drones that entered Polish airspace during a Russian aerial attack on Ukraine. The September 10 incident marked the first time NATO forces were directly engaged in the conflict. Moscow insisted its targets were in Ukraine, not Poland.
The move underscores a broader NATO effort to deter Russia. Denmark recently announced it would acquire long-range, precision weapons for the first time, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen describing the purchase as a “paradigm shift in Danish defence policy.” She warned that Russia will remain a threat to Denmark “for years to come.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine expects to receive $3.5 to $3.6 billion worth of weapons through the newly launched Priority Ukraine Requirements List initiative, which allows NATO states to fund the transfer of U.S.-sourced weapons and technology to Kyiv.
The combined efforts highlight NATO’s push to strengthen its eastern flank and support Ukraine as Russia’s war shows no sign of slowing.
Africa Digital News, New York
