These advanced balloons, equipped with suspended radars, mark a crucial enhancement to Poland's reconnaissance capabilities, according to officials.
"This agreement defines our security and is another act of cooperation between Poland and the United States," Kosiniak-Kamysz said during the signing ceremony in Warsaw on Wednesday.
The Polish defense minister emphasized the necessity of updating Poland's radar systems, saying that the new reconnaissance aerostats, procured under the Barbara program, come with comprehensive logistics and operational support.
"Our readiness and capabilities in this area are being raised to a higher level," Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters.
The agreement, financed by a loan from the US government, positions Poland as the second country in the world to deploy these advanced radiolocation systems, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
The four tethered balloons, capable of detecting aircraft, drones, surface vessels and missiles over a range of more than 300 kilometers, will be strategically deployed along Poland's eastern and northeastern borders, and are set to be fully operational by 2027.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP