Poland expands Israeli arms purchases

Poland is moving closer to expanding its procurement of Israeli defense technology as part of its sweeping military modernization program. With new radar systems, active protection for tanks, and continued investment in anti-tank weapons already in place, Warsaw is now also considering an Israeli-style multi-layered air defense architecture as regional security concerns over Russia continue to grow.

Poland eyes more Israeli defense systems

The Polish Ministry of Defence is in advanced negotiations to further expand its procurement of Israeli defense systems, building on a series of recent acquisitions and cooperation agreements with Israel’s defense industry.

The current procurement program already includes a contract worth approximately $100 million for 18 Elta Systems ELM-2238X STAR-X 3D coastal surveillance radars, alongside plans to integrate Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System (APS) on Poland’s future K2PL main battle tanks.

Poland has signed a contract with Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), for the delivery of the STAR-X radars. Valued at approximately PLN 430 million (around $100 million), the systems are intended to monitor low-flying aerial threats and naval activity in the Baltic Sea. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2030.

Israeli sources have also confirmed that Poland intends to integrate the Israeli-developed Trophy Active Protection System on its domestically adapted K2PL main battle tanks through cooperative agreements involving Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

In addition, Poland will continue equipping its armed forces with Rafael’s Spike anti-tank guided missile family, which has long been part of the Polish military’s anti-armor capabilities.

According to indications from the Polish government, Warsaw is also planning to develop a multi-layered air defense system based on the combat-proven Israeli model, further strengthening the country’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities.

Security Environment Drives Modernization

Poland’s accelerating defense modernization is largely driven by the deteriorating security environment in Eastern Europe and continuing concerns over Russia.

With defense spending approaching 4.7 percent of GDP, Poland remains the NATO member allocating the highest share of its national economy to defense. These investments are funding one of Europe’s most ambitious military modernization programs, with Warsaw selectively incorporating combat-proven Israeli radar, tracking, and protection technologies into its expanding armed forces.

Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent