Poland’s Air Power Takes a Giant Leap with 200 US AARGM-ER Missiles to Strengthen Air Defense
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On January 28, 2025, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, signed an intergovernmental agreement in Warsaw for the acquisition of more than 200 AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range) missiles from the United States. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this advanced weapon system is valued at $745 million and aims to enhance the capabilities of the Polish Air Force amid growing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. This contract follows the U.S. government’s approval in April 2024 for the potential sale of 360 missiles to Poland, with a total estimated value of $1.275 billion.
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The AARGM-ER variant features a new rocket motor and improved aerodynamic structure while retaining the sensors and warhead of its predecessor (Picture source: US Navy)
The Polish Armament Agency specified that the missile deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2035. These new systems will be integrated into the Polish Air Force’s fleet of F-35 fighters, with the potential for future adaptation to the existing F-16 aircraft. The signing of this agreement took place in Warsaw, in the presence of Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition for modernizing the country’s air forces and strengthening ties between Poland and the United States.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles are designed to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses. With a range exceeding 200 kilometers, they target the electromagnetic emissions of adversary radars, allowing combat aircraft to carry out strikes while remaining beyond the reach of enemy air defense systems. This capability represents a major asset for air superiority, particularly in scenarios where neutralizing ground-based air defense systems is critical to the success of operations.
This missile is an evolution of the AGM-88E AARGM, itself derived from the HARM anti-radiation missile developed by Raytheon. The AARGM-ER variant features a new rocket motor and improved aerodynamic structure while retaining the sensors and warhead of its predecessor. Designed for use by the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, as well as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, it is gradually being adopted by several international partners. Poland now joins an exclusive group of countries equipped with this advanced technology, alongside the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia.
The acquisition of these missiles is part of a broader strategy to enhance Poland’s military capabilities, particularly in combat aviation. In April 2024, the U.S. government approved the potential sale of 360 AARGM-ER missiles to Poland for a maximum value of $1.275 billion. While Warsaw has opted to acquire over 200 in this initial order, additional purchases may be considered in the future. This move also aligns with the gradual arrival of Poland’s 32 F-35 aircraft, the first of which has already been produced in the United States and is expected to be delivered this year.
General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, emphasized that integrating these missiles provides Poland with a precision strike capability comparable to that of NATO’s leading air forces. He highlighted Poland’s growing role as a key player on NATO’s eastern flank, noting that this acquisition demonstrates the country’s commitment to possessing cutting-edge technology to ensure its security and that of its allies.
By strengthening its ability to suppress enemy air defenses, Poland not only improves its strategic autonomy but also enhances its interoperability with NATO forces. This contract with the United States reflects an increased commitment to deterrence and the modernization of Poland’s military assets, at a time when the potential threat of confrontation with Russia remains a major concern.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
On January 28, 2025, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, signed an intergovernmental agreement in Warsaw for the acquisition of more than 200 AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range) missiles from the United States. Developed by Northrop Grumman, this advanced weapon system is valued at $745 million and aims to enhance the capabilities of the Polish Air Force amid growing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. This contract follows the U.S. government’s approval in April 2024 for the potential sale of 360 missiles to Poland, with a total estimated value of $1.275 billion.
The AARGM-ER variant features a new rocket motor and improved aerodynamic structure while retaining the sensors and warhead of its predecessor (Picture source: US Navy)
The Polish Armament Agency specified that the missile deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2035. These new systems will be integrated into the Polish Air Force’s fleet of F-35 fighters, with the potential for future adaptation to the existing F-16 aircraft. The signing of this agreement took place in Warsaw, in the presence of Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition for modernizing the country’s air forces and strengthening ties between Poland and the United States.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles are designed to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses. With a range exceeding 200 kilometers, they target the electromagnetic emissions of adversary radars, allowing combat aircraft to carry out strikes while remaining beyond the reach of enemy air defense systems. This capability represents a major asset for air superiority, particularly in scenarios where neutralizing ground-based air defense systems is critical to the success of operations.
This missile is an evolution of the AGM-88E AARGM, itself derived from the HARM anti-radiation missile developed by Raytheon. The AARGM-ER variant features a new rocket motor and improved aerodynamic structure while retaining the sensors and warhead of its predecessor. Designed for use by the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, as well as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, it is gradually being adopted by several international partners. Poland now joins an exclusive group of countries equipped with this advanced technology, alongside the United States, the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia.
The acquisition of these missiles is part of a broader strategy to enhance Poland’s military capabilities, particularly in combat aviation. In April 2024, the U.S. government approved the potential sale of 360 AARGM-ER missiles to Poland for a maximum value of $1.275 billion. While Warsaw has opted to acquire over 200 in this initial order, additional purchases may be considered in the future. This move also aligns with the gradual arrival of Poland’s 32 F-35 aircraft, the first of which has already been produced in the United States and is expected to be delivered this year.
General Ireneusz Nowak, Inspector of the Polish Air Force, emphasized that integrating these missiles provides Poland with a precision strike capability comparable to that of NATO’s leading air forces. He highlighted Poland’s growing role as a key player on NATO’s eastern flank, noting that this acquisition demonstrates the country’s commitment to possessing cutting-edge technology to ensure its security and that of its allies.
By strengthening its ability to suppress enemy air defenses, Poland not only improves its strategic autonomy but also enhances its interoperability with NATO forces. This contract with the United States reflects an increased commitment to deterrence and the modernization of Poland’s military assets, at a time when the potential threat of confrontation with Russia remains a major concern.
