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US State Dept. OKs sale of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods to Poland

10.05.2023 10:00
The US Department of State has approved the sale of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATPs) and related equipment to Poland for an estimated cost of USD 124.7 million, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced.
Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)
Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)Photo: USAF, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The planned deal aims to “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Tuesday.

“The proposed sale will improve the tactical effectiveness of the FA-50 fighter aircraft that Poland is buying from the Republic of Korea by enhancing its abilities to identify targets, track, and engage from a standoff distance; it will also increase interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces," the DSCA said in a statement.

The Polish government has requested to buy "34 AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) with Shipping Containers," according to the statement.

"Also included are system support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support; integration and test equipment and support; unclassified software delivery and support; unclassified Computer Program Identification Number (CPIN) systems; unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support," the statement added.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida, the agency also said.

Under US law, the deal has yet to be approved by Congress.

Poland plans to replace its fleet of Soviet-designed MIG-29 fighter jets with new FA-50 aircraft from South Korea and US-made F-35 jets, according to officials.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said last month that his country was ready to provide all its MiG-29s to Ukraine to help its neighbour repel Russia's invasion.

Wednesday is day 441 of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, dsca.mil