U.S. Approves $780 Million Javelin Missile Sale to Poland
The U.S. State Department announced the approval of a roughly $780 million Foreign Military Sale of FGM-148F Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Poland on 18 September. The sale moved toward final approval as the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) provided the necessary certification to Congress that day. Under the proposed deal, Warsaw has requested about 2,506 Javelin missiles and 253 of the new Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU), along with spare parts and training. The package also includes simulator rounds, battery coolant units, tool kits, contractor and U.S. government technical assistance, transportation and other logistics support.
The FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable, shoulder-fired anti‐tank guided missile. It is among the most advanced systems of its kind in NATO service. Javelins can be fired day or night to hit enemy armor, lighter vehicles, bunkers – even low-flying helicopters or drones. Poland is acquiring the latest FGM-148F variant, which offers enhanced lethality and adaptability in various combat conditions. The new lightweight launch unit (LWCLU) is much smaller and lighter than older models (about 70% smaller and 40% lighter) and provides about 50% longer battery life. Javelin’s effective range is extended to roughly 4 km.
The sale comes amid heightened tensions on NATO’s eastern flank. Poland borders Ukraine, as well as Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and Belarus, making it a front‐line state in the Russia–Ukraine war. With fears of spillover from the conflict, Warsaw has been sharply increasing its military spending. In 2024 Poland’s defense budget surged by 31% to about $38 billion (4.2% of GDP), and it is expected to rise even further in 2025 (to roughly 4.7% of GDP) – the highest share in NATO. This level of spending and modernization underscores Poland’s role as a NATO “anchor” on the eastern flank. In recent weeks, for example, Polish and allied jets shot down more than 20 Russian drones that violated Polish airspace – the first such incident on NATO territory – prompting NATO to launch a new “Eastern Sentry” mission to bolster regional air defenses.
The Javelin sale also reflects deep and growing U.S.–Polish defense cooperation. Poland has been among Europe’s biggest purchasers of U.S. weapons. Several thousand U.S. soldiers are currently stationed in Poland as part of NATO deployments. The U.S. Army officially established Army Garrison Poland in 2023 to support the larger American presence. This arms package is designed to deter aggression on NATO’s eastern flank by providing Poland with a stronger capability against tanks and armored threats. Recent weeks have also seen a similar $97.3 million procurement of Javelin by Australia and a huge new $900.5 million contract from the US Army.