Poland Secures $4B U.S. Loan for F-35s, Patriot Missiles Under Defense Push

The United States has approved a $4 billion loan guarantee to Poland under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, deepening defense ties and accelerating Warsaw’s military modernization with F-35 fighter jets, Patriot missile systems, and other U.S.-made weapons.

The agreement was signed in Warsaw by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who called the move “a confirmation of the strongest Polish-American alliance in history.” U.S. Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Brent T. Christensen joined Polish officials at the ceremony.

The funding will support the acquisition of Apache helicopters, F-35s, and Patriot air defense systems integrated with the IBCS command structure, making Poland the only country besides the U.S. authorized to operate the system.

Kosiniak-Kamysz said the modernization drive is urgent, shaped by lessons from the war in Ukraine. “An army ready for the newest challenges means the latest equipment,” he said, highlighting that Poland is now spending 4.7% of GDP on defense, the highest among NATO countries, with a planned increase to 5% in 2026.

The latest FMF support follows a $4 billion direct loan to Poland in December 2024.

The U.S. State Department said the deal “promotes peace through strength” and praised Poland’s “decisive steps” to modernize its forces. That includes previous approvals for Boeing Apache helicopters, Lockheed Martin HIMARS launchers, RTX Patriot systems, and Northrop Grumman’s IBCS.

In February 2024, the U.S. also approved a $1.2 billion sale of tethered aerostat surveillance systems, and in October 2024, cleared a $7.3 billion foreign military sale to upgrade Poland’s fleet of F-16s.

Poland is also acquiring RTX’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) and integrating joint defense production ventures with American firms.

Spurred by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Poland has moved to become one of NATO’s most heavily armed members. Since then, the U.S. has provided more than $11 billion in loans and guarantees for Polish arms programs, including Patriot systems, HIMARS, and Apaches.