Talks between Warsaw and Washington on a plan to move part of the Patriot air defense system production chain to Poland are nearing the decision stage.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said on Saturday that the process had moved beyond the level of political statements and was now being conducted directly between industrial companies. Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said a decision could be made in the coming weeks.
A joint production proposal was submitted to Washington
Poland submitted an official proposal during talks held in Washington in July to jointly produce Patriot missiles with the United States and Ukraine. The proposal was discussed with officials from the Pentagon and the U.S. Department of State.
Sobkowiak-Czarnecka also said earlier this month that Poland had moved well beyond exploratory talks and that the United States could announce its decision within one or two months.
The plan involves locating part of the production chain in Poland as demand for Patriot systems rises sharply across Europe.
Poland competes with Germany for production
Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said Germany was Poland's main rival over the future production of Patriot systems in the country.
The talks are continuing as supply shortages of Patriot interceptor missiles grow in Europe and pressure mounts on NATO members to increase domestic production capacity. Ukraine also continues to face Russian missile and drone attacks.
Warsaw seeks technology transfer
Following Russia's war against Ukraine, Poland has become one of the countries within NATO with the highest defense spending. Warsaw has placed major orders for U.S.-made weapons systems, including Patriot systems, Abrams tanks, HIMARS rocket launchers and F-35 fighter jets.
The Polish government argues that large-scale defense acquisitions should be supported by technology transfers and the relocation of production capacity to the country. This approach is being pursued in connection with the goal of restructuring the domestic defense industry.
