U.S. approves $1.2B aerostat sale to Poland

The State Department has approved a possible $1.2 billion foreign military sale for airspace and surface radar reconnaissance aerostat systems, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The deal, according to DSCA, would cover the ASRR systems and a variety of radars, sensors and other equipment.

“The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats of enemy air and ground weapons systems,” DSCA said. “Poland will use the capability as an airborne early warning system to defend against incoming regional threats. This will also enable Poland to increase its contribution to future NATO operations.”

The agency recently reported that U.S. foreign military sales increased by 56% in fiscal year 2023 partly driven by $30 billion in new deals with Poland, which has grown increasingly alarmed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The principal contractors involved in the deal will be Raytheon Intelligence and Space, of El Segundo, CA; TCOM, L.P., of Columbia, MD; ELTA North America, of Annapolis Junction, MD; and Avantus Federal LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of QinetiQ), of McLean, VA, according to DSCA.

The agency noted that the actual dollar value of the deal will likely be lower than $1.2 billion if and when the arrangement is concluded.