Poland to spend $6.5B on 32 F-35s

Poland is slated to buy 32 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters for $6.5 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which said the State Department has approved the possible foreign military sale.

The possible sale of the Lockheed Martin-made F-35s would also include 33 F-135 engines made by Pratt & Whitney, DSCA said.

The sale would also include associated electronic warfare and communications systems and equipment.

The F-35s would replace Poland's legacy MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," DSCA said. "This sale is consistent with U.S. initiatives to provide key allies in the region with modern systems that will enhance interoperability with U.S. forces and increase security."

While DSCA said there are no known offset agreements, the agency noted that "the purchaser typically requests offsets" that, if requested, will be negotiated between Poland and the defense contractors.