Poland signs arms deal with Sweden — RT World News
Warsaw has agreed to purchase thousands of anti-tank grenade launchers from Saab, continuing to ramp up its military spending.
Poland continued its military buildup in response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict by agreeing to purchase anti-tank grenade launchers from Sweden, its newest NATO ally.
Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamisz announced the arms deal in a Press Conference On Monday in Warsaw, where he was hosting his Swedish counterpart, Pal Johnson. The value of the contract to purchase Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launchers and bullets from the Swedish company Saab is approximately 6.5 billion zlotys ($1.62 billion).
The purchase includes thousands of launchers and hundreds of thousands of anti-tank bombs, in addition to training on how to use them. He added: “This is one of the most important contracts for equipment that has proven its effectiveness in combat in Ukraine.” Kosniak-Kamish said.
Warsaw is increasing its defense spending to more than 4% of the country's gross domestic product this year, or 137 billion zlotys, due to concern over what President Andrzej Duda called “The threat emerging beyond our eastern borders.” The country's government plans to double the size of its armed forces by 2035.
Carl-Gustaf M4 grenade launchers are designed to combat all types of modern armored vehicles, including tanks. The weapon is an 84 mm recoilless rifle that can be mounted on the shoulder and has a maximum range of about 1,000 metres. They were reportedly effective in destroying Russian tanks.
The Polish and Swedish governments pledged to support Ukraine “With all our might” Kociniak-Kamish said by providing military and humanitarian aid. Johnson added, He added: “Poland and Sweden will not only be partners, but also allies in NATO.”
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