Poland To Obtain JASSM-ER, AIM-9X And AMRAAM Missiles
The Polish Armed Forces continues procurement of various arms and equipment from abroad. As March concluded, Poland received a green light for the purchase of the newest and most advanced munitions for its air force including AIM-9X, AIM-120C AMRAAM, and JASSM-ER. While the Polish Air Force’s aircraft numbers shrank over the last 12 months the planned deliveries of FA-50PL light fighter jets and F-35A Lightning II multirole fighter jets will transform the branches’ capabilities. Additionally, with munition upgrades the F-16C/D Block 52s, that entered Polish service almost 20 years ago, will be more agile and deadly than before.
The rapid enhancement of the Air Force arsenal is part of a technical modernization program calling for the increase in combat abilities of the armed forces in all domains, including air, ground, space, and cyberspace.
The most important of the weapons acquired is the AGM-158B-2 JASSM-ER. In 2016, the PAF received its first AGM-158, delivered under a previously signed contract in late 2014. In total 40 AGM-158A JASSM were delivered and integrated with Polish F-16s. The Polish MoD aimed at further procurement of JASSM in its modified “B” variant since 2017, yet in reality the talks did not progress for another half of a decade.
After the outbreak of a full-scale conflict in Ukraine, the Polish MoD returned to the idea of procuring large quantities of various munitions. The result was the approval of US Congress for the procurement of up to 821 AGM-158B-JASSM-ER with additional services and equipment.
JASSM-ER gives the PAF the ability to strike enemy logistics and strategic infrastructure, however, the relatively small fleet of carriers (48 F-16s) is a concern. It appears that the deliveries of AIM-120C, AIM-9X, and AGM-158B-2 will coincidence with the introduction of the PAF’s new jets. Poland’s order for 32 F-35A is scheduled to be completed by 2030, increasing the total number of multirole jets to 80 aircraft.