Poland finalises £137m missile deal to boost air defence
Polish Deputy Minister of Defence Paweł Bejda announced on the X platform that eight months after obtaining approval from the US Congress, Poland has completed the purchase of 232 AIM-9X missiles. This is valuable equipment for current and future combat aircraft. It is known when the deliveries will commence.
Poland is investing in currently used and forthcoming combat aircraft for the military. Minister Paweł Bejda announced on Friday, 29th November, that the Armament Agency has signed an agreement for approximately £137 million. A few months after obtaining approval, the purchase of 232 AIM-9X missiles was finalised. The Deputy Minister states that deliveries will begin in 2028.
AIM-9X missiles for Poland
The AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles mentioned, which Poland is acquiring according to Bejda, are short-range air-to-air weapons produced by the American company Raytheon. This represents the latest generation of AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
The AIM-9X was designed for combat operations both day and night. The presence of thrust-vectoring nozzles contributes to increased missile manoeuvrability. The length of a single missile is approximately 3 metres, with a diameter of nearly 13 centimetres and a wingspan of 43 centimetres. The total weight of the AIM-9X is roughly 85 kilograms.
Let us add that this weapon is carried in Poland by F-16 aircraft. The Polish air force utilises its F-16 fighters equipped with advanced avionics systems that significantly enhance the aircraft's effectiveness in combat operations. One of the most important components of this technology is the AN/APG-68 radar. It enables the detection and tracking of targets from long distances, providing a significant advantage during operations.
Furthermore, the LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) system allows for precise navigation and target attack even during nighttime and adverse weather conditions. These advanced technologies significantly expand the combat capabilities of Polish F-16s, allowing for precise attacks in various, often demanding operational situations.
