Through a statement issued on social media, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the purchase of over 200 U.S.-made AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles to equip the new F-35A stealth fighters acquired for the Polish Air Force. This transaction had already been authorized by the U.S. government in April 2024 and is now finalized for approximately $750 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029 and conclude by 2035.

Reviewing some key details about the AARGM-ER missile, it is an air-to-ground anti-radiation missile specifically designed to passively detect radio frequency signals emitted by enemy radar systems that need to be neutralized. Once the target is acquired, the missile enters an active tracking phase to engage and destroy air defense systems linked to the detected signal. Compared to its predecessor, the AGM-88E AARGM, this new variant offers improvements in both range and warhead payload.

Regarding the acquisition, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz stated: “This is a groundbreaking purchase. Only in this case, when we have fully equipped F-35 aircraft, with the possibility of adapting them for the F-16s as well, will we be able to effectively utilize all the capabilities of these modern platforms that the Polish Armed Forces will operate.”

It is also worth noting that this missile purchase comes as Poland continues to await additional F-35A fighters to build its future fleet of 32 aircraft, acquired for approximately $6.5 billion from Lockheed Martin. Delivered under the TR-3 standard, these new Polish fighters will replace the aging MiG-29 and Su-22 strike aircraft, with the first F-35A “Husarz” (named in honor of the legendary cavalry unit) already unveiled in August 2024.

Finally, in preparation for the upcoming integration of the F-35A, Poland has already begun training future pilots in collaboration with U.S. instructors. As reported in December, two units of the modern stealth fighter from the Polish Air Force arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in the U.S. for training, conducted by the 85th Fighter Group of the U.S. Air Force.

Images used for illustrative purposes.

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