Espreso. Global

Sky surveillance will reach new level: Poland to buy aerostat systems

8 February, 2024 Thursday
19:50

A total of four aerostats will be delivered to Poland, as the formation of a air and surface radar battalion was announced earlier

client/title.list_title

The US Department of State has approved the sale of airspace and surface radar systems and other equipment to Poland, including logistical support, Defense Express reports. These include airborne and ground radar reconnaissance systems, onboard early warning radars with a friend-or-foe identification option and other systems, as well as program management support, testing, technical support, transport, spare parts, training and equipment, technical documentation, etc.

The estimated value of the deal is $1.2 billion (this is the ceiling price, which may eventually be reduced). According to Paweł Bejda, the deputy head of the US Defense Department, it is about four reconnaissance balloons. "The negotiations will soon be completed, and the contract signed. Once the new systems are delivered [to Polish Armed Forces], sky monitoring will reach a completely new level," he said.

The main contractors of the project are Raytheon Intelligence and Space; TCOM, LP, ELTA North America and Avantus Federal LLC (a subsidiary of QinetiQ, Inc.).

"The proposed sale will improve Poland’s capability to meet current and future threats of enemy air and ground weapons systems. Poland will use the capability as an airborne early warning system to defend against incoming regional threats. This will also enable Poland to increase its contribution to future NATO operations. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces," the US State Department said in a statement.

Poland had plans to purchase a reconnaissance airspace and surface radar systems back in 2017 under the Barbara program, but the purchase request was submitted only in May 2023, after the scandal with the Kh-55 missile that was not shot down by Polish air defense and flew hundreds of kilometers into the country's territory.

Later in 2023, it became known that Poland was forming an airspace and surface radar systems battalion to strengthen its air defense. At the time, there were plans to create four posts with the first deployed in July 2026, and the goal was to be able to detect targets with a single aerostat at a distance of hundreds of kilometers.

In addition to airspace and surface radar systems, in 2023 Poland also decided to purchase Saab 340 AEW long-range radar reconnaissance aircraft to enhance its intelligence capabilities, with the first aircraft due to arrive in the country soon, and a total of two used aircraft under a contract worth about $58 million. 

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Tuesday
5 November
21:20
Exclusive
Voice of America correspondent: U.S. election sees unusually high voter turnout
21:10
G7, allies are working on joint response to DPRK troop deployment in Russia
20:56
Exclusive
Ukraine to receive Abrams tanks from Australia within months - Defense Express
20:40
Poland to spend $750 million to increase ammunition production
20:25
Russia stockpiling P-800 Oniks missiles - military expert
20:11
Russian troops execute six Ukrainian prisoners of war
19:56
Fourth group of Ukrainian operators completes Patriot air defense training in Germany
19:37
Exclusive
Europe 70% prepared for Trump’s potential return to power - Ukrainian analyst
19:20
75 combat engagements take place along frontline, Kurakhove sector is hottest spot — General Staff
18:58
Exclusive
Dnipropetrovsk region in critical condition, very little information about fortifications - local deputy
18:39
First clashes occur between Ukrainian army and DPRK military in Kursk region, Ukrainian Defense Minister confirms
18:21
Ukrainian forces destroy 102 Russian tank battalions since beginning of 2024
18:00
Russia trains DPRK military in Kursk region to use various drones
17:42
Over 500 Ukrainians from 30 countries apply to join Ukrainian Legion in Poland
17:20
Polish politician accuses Zelenskyy of trying to drag his state into war, Ukraine responds
17:10
Updated
Google Maps releases satellite images of Ukrainian military systems, claims they are outdated
16:57
OPINION
Russian propaganda against Ukrainians intensifies: what are the underlying reasons
16:48
Russia shells village in Kharkiv region, killing two people
16:36
Russia focuses on Donetsk region: UK intelligence analyzes frontline developments
16:15
Russian troops turn to electric scooters for mobility in Kharkiv region
15:50
Exclusive
Russian troops poised to launch major missile strikes as frost sets in — aviation expert
15:36
Forecasted U.S. vote outcomes: what are the likely Senate, House, and presidential results
15:17
Updated
Russia attacks Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia, killing 6 people, injuring 23
15:14
Review
North Korean troops to lead assault waves for Russia in Kursk region. Serhiy Zgurets' column
14:57
Russia allegedly conspired to place incendiary devices on aircraft heading to U.S.
14:32
North Korea launches missiles into East Sea hours before U.S. presidential election
14:15
EU probes scheme to re-label Russian oil in Turkey for European markets
13:21
Review
In life and death: The heroic story of Valkyrie and Berserk, fallen heroes of the Ukrainian frontline
12:56
Western officials urge Europe to brace for U.S. election outcomes, resist compromise with Russia
12:39
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces can hamper Russian advance near Kurakhove - military expert Zgurets
12:19
OPINION
U.S. elections: candidates ready to deny defeat
11:58
"Most active threat": U.S. warns of Russia's possible interference in election process
11:32
Pro-Trump blogger admits to posting fake claims about U.S. elections at Russia’s request
11:16
Exclusive
Russian forces prioritize Kupyansk sector offensive, seeking foothold in Kruhliakivka
10:56
Russia launches Soyuz-2.1 rocket with two Iranian satellites
10:37
Russia loses 1,260 soldiers, 29 artillery systems, 15 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
10:16
Russia seizes Ukraine's Stepanivka, Donetsk region, advances near 4 more settlements — DeepState
09:56
Australia to donate 14 military boats to Ukraine
09:38
NATO may consider intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine next week - Polish FM
2024, Monday
4 November
21:40
Over 80 million tons of cargo exported through Ukrainian sea corridor
More news