Poland has taken another step in beefing up its defense capabilities by signing a deal with the United States to acquire over 200 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), which will be integrated into its upcoming fleet of F-35 fighter jets.
The agreement, described as a “breakthrough purchase” by Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, was formalized in Warsaw on January 28.
This move follows the US government’s approval in April 2024 to export up to 360 of these missiles, valued at approximately $1.275 billion.
While the exact number of missiles under the latest deal remains undisclosed, the Ministry of National Defence (MND) confirmed that it exceeds 200 and carries a price tag of $745 million.
Delivery of the missiles is scheduled between 2029 and 2035, aligning somewhat with Poland’s acquisition timeline for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighters. Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the purchase would guarantee the full operational capability of these advanced aircraft.
Kosiniak-Kamysz added that Poland is procuring “anti-radiation missiles that target, find and affect enemy air defense systems, anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense systems”
The deputy prime minister further noted, “This is a breakthrough purchase. Only in such a case, when we have fully equipped F-35 aircraft, with the possibility of also adapting to F-16 aircraft, are we able to effectively use all the capabilities of these most modern machines which will be used by the Polish Armed Forces.”
Poland has significantly ramped up its military modernization efforts in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Among NATO’s eastern flank nations, Poland has led the charge in increasing defense spending, with plans to allocate approximately PLN 160 billion ($39.7 billion) to its armed forces in 2025, representing around 4.2 percent of its GDP.
The newly ordered missiles are expected to significantly increase the operational capabilities of Poland’s F-35 fleet. The country’s first F-35A, identified as AZ-02, successfully completed its inaugural flight on December 2, 2024, at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas, near the Lockheed Martin production facility.
The following day, the second aircraft, AZ-01, took to the skies, and the third, AZ-03, made its maiden flight on December 17. By December 23, the initial two aircraft arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Nebraska, where they will be stationed for the training of Polish pilots and maintenance personnel.
In 2025, Poland is slated to receive a total of six F-35 aircraft, with an additional 14 to be delivered in 2026. This process will continue with further deliveries scheduled through 2029.
AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles-Extended Range (AARGM-ER)
The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), developed by Northrop Grumman, is a cutting-edge air-to-ground missile designed to be deployed by the F/A-18, E/A-18G, and F-35 aircraft.
It has the capability to passively detect and home in on radar emissions from enemy sites before switching to an active millimeter-wave terminal radar to detect, track, and disable radio frequency-enabled surface-to-air missile systems. This transition allows the missile to effectively neutralize threats from advanced air defense systems.
The AARGM-ER builds upon the foundation of the earlier AARGM missile, retaining the same millimeter-wave radar but incorporating a larger diameter and a shorter rocket motor to extend its range.
The missile also features a new warhead and is designed to fit within the internal weapons bays of both the F-35A and F-35C while also being compatible with external carriage options for these aircraft, as well as the F-35B. Future plans include integrating the missile with the F-16 fighter jet.
Although the AGM-88 family of missiles has been in service for several decades, its prominence has been amplified recently through its use by the Ukrainian Air Force.
A US-backed accelerated program successfully adapted older variants of the missile, known as High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM), for use on Ukraine’s Soviet-era MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker fighter jets.
Regardless, the AGM-88G is a major upgrade over its predecessor, the AGM-88E AARGM. While the newer missile shares many components with the earlier variant, it introduces major internal and external modifications, including a new rocket motor and warhead.
Additionally, all of the missile’s control surfaces have been relocated to the tail, which gives it a more streamlined and aerodynamic appearance.
With a range exceeding 200 km, the AARGM-ER would provide Poland with a long-range standoff weapon that can effectively counter advanced anti-access, area-denial (A2AD) air defenses, including those of potential adversaries such as Russia.
While Maj. Gen. Ireneusz Nowak, general inspector of the Polish Air Force, did not mention Russia directly, the missile’s capabilities are clearly aimed at neutralizing sophisticated air defense systems in a region where such threats are a real concern.
As Nowak explained, an Anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) system is essentially a network of medium- and long-range anti-aircraft missile systems that present significant risks to aircraft.
However, the F-35, with its combination of stealth technology and advanced armament such as the AARGM-ER, will be able to eliminate the control radars of these air defense systems, enhancing Poland’s ability to defend itself and maintain air superiority.
Moreover, this acquisition marks a major milestone for Poland, as it joins an exclusive group of nations— including the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia— that utilize the AARGM-ER missile.
The General added, “And here we can say that once again Poland is becoming a leader in implementing modern weapons, but it is also acquiring capabilities that will raise its rank and position in the Central-Eastern Europe region.”
This strategic purchase strengthens Poland’s military stature and highlights its efforts to guarantee national security in the face of evolving threats.
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