U.S. Welcomes Poland's Plans to Buy Patriot Missiles

The United States welcomed Tuesday news that Poland is planning to buy the U.S.-made Patriot missile system in an unprecedented revamp of its military in a deal worth up to $5 billion.

"Poland is a stalwart NATO ally, and its defense modernization program... directly fortifies the military strength of the alliance," State Department acting spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a statement.

Amid heightened tensions with neighboring Russia, Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski announced earlier that Warsaw would hold exclusive talks with Washington on the multibillion-euro air defense contract for the system built by Raytheon. Talks will begin in May.

"Economic diplomacy in support of American companies and workers is a centerpiece of our international agenda, and Raytheon's selection reflects a coordinated advocacy approach by the Departments of State, Commerce and Defense," Harf added.

The program was also "expected to generate at least $2.5 billion in U.S. export content — that means supporting American jobs at home and growing our manufacturing base," she said.

Poland's defense ministry said it wanted to acquire eight missile batteries by 2025, with two of them to be delivered within three years of signing a deal.

"The U.S. offer is regarded as the most advantageous from the viewpoint of Polish security and fulfilling (NATO) alliance obligations," the Polish defense ministry said.

Harf added that the U.S. "remains committed to Poland's security and NATO's collective defense."

"The program also includes co-development and co-production elements that will also strengthen Poland's defense industry," she said in her statement.

While picking the U.S. for its missiles, Poland went with the Europeans for helicopters, announcing that it would test Airbus-made multi-purpose choppers to replace its Soviet-era equipment.