The US granted Poland a loan worth USD 2 billion to support the modernization of Polish defense
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On Monday, the United States granted Poland a direct loan worth $2 billion under Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to support the modernization of Polish defense, the US Department of State announced.
“Poland is a steadfast U.S. ally, and Poland’s security is crucial to the collective defense of NATO’s eastern flank,” the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.
“In addition to playing a key supporting role in facilitating international assistance to neighboring Ukraine, Poland has demonstrated its steely commitment to strengthening regional security through solid investments in defense spending,” the US diplomat said.
According to the Department of State, Poland continues to demonstrate aspirations to be one of NATO’s leaders by meeting the defense investment commitment made at the 2014 Wales Summit.
“Poland is planning a significant expansion of the Polish Armed Forces; divested itself of Russian-origin military equipment in favor of an ambitious, multi-year, multi-billion dollar defense modernization program; concluded an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States; hosts allied and U.S. forces, including the U.S.-led NATO Battle Group and the U.S. V Corps Command, and actively participates in NATO missions throughout the region,” Washington said.
The Department of State added that the U.S. government is providing up to $60 million in FMF to cover the cost of this loan, which is intended to help accelerate Poland’s defense modernization by supporting urgent procurement of defense items and services from the United States.
“FMF Direct Loans are a security cooperation tool reserved for some of our most important security cooperation partners,” the US side concluded. (PAP)
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