The United States has informally requested Poland to redeploy one of its two Patriot air defense batteries to the Middle East and transfer PAC-3 MSE interceptors from its inventory, according to a March 31, 2026, report by Polish daily Rzeczpospolita citing sources familiar with the discussions.
Poland achieved full operational readiness with both batteries by late 2025. Each system features 16 launchers capable of engaging targets up to 100 kilometers away. Under a 2019 contract, Poland acquired around 200 PAC-3 MSE missiles, with most delivered. Polish Defense Ministry spokesman Janusz Sejmej stated, “In no way are the Americans pushing on these matters.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted over two weeks prior that Poland would not send troops to Iran, without addressing equipment transfers.
The request stems from high munitions consumption in Operation Epic Fury against Iranian ballistic missiles and drone swarms. Royal United Services Institute estimates indicate the US and Gulf states expended about 1,500 PAC-3 missiles in the conflict’s first 16 days, including against cheaper Shahed drones. Lockheed Martin produced roughly 600 PAC-3 MSE rounds in 2025; replenishing initial losses would take over two years at that rate, with 2,000 annual output projected in seven years. The Pentagon considers redirecting Ukraine-bound interceptors.
A 2023 contract for six more Polish Patriot batteries and 600 PAC-3 rounds faces likely delays starting in 2027 due to production pressures. Broader impacts may hit Poland’s orders for AIM-120 missiles, AGM-158 JASSM-ER cruise missiles, and APKWS rockets. Foreign Military Sales rules impose no penalties for delays. On March 31, 2026, Poland contracted a CAMM-ER missile production center worth over 100 million zloty ($25 million) and committed nearly 4 billion zloty ($1 billion) to its Narew air defense consortium.