Warsaw: Poland received its first shipment of advanced Abrams tanks made in the US on Wednesday, according to the defence minister, as the nation strengthens its armed forces in response to Russia's conflict in Ukraine.
The Warsaw government ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the US, with the first shipment of 14 tanks arriving in Szczecin, a port city.
Poland's defence minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, told reporters that "the first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army." The Abrams tanks, which are made in the US, will form a battalion this year, according to Blaszczak, who called them "the best tanks in the world."
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The delivery is a component of a $1.4 billion purchase agreement for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were formerly owned by the US Marine Corps.
Poland purchased 250 additional Abrams in the more contemporary M1A2 variant last year; these weapons should arrive in late 2024.
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Poland will be the first nation outside of the United States to possess Abrams tanks in their most advanced configuration, Blaszczak continued. "Not every country can have such tanks.
Poland, a steadfast ally of Ukraine and a member of NATO and the EU, declared in January that it would devote 4% of its GDP to defence this year.
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Poland has entered into a number of arms agreements, including those with the US and South Korea, from which it purchased K2 "Black Panther" tanks and K9 howitzers.