Poland has signed a government-to-government contract worth around $500 million with the United States to acquire AIM-120D-3 AMRAAM missiles for its future F-35A Husarz fleet and upgraded F-16C/D Jastrząb fighters. The deal follows Washington’s approval for a larger package of up to 400 missiles valued at $1.33 billion.
Scope of the First Batch
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the signing on 27 November. The initial tranche includes guidance sections, test vehicles, encryption devices, software support, and equipment. RTX in Tucson is designated as the prime contractor, marking the transition from paper authorization to real missile stockpiles for Poland.
F-35A Deliveries
Poland ordered 32 F-35As under a $4.6 billion FMS contract signed in January 2020. The program includes 33 F135 engines, pilot and technician training, and an initial support package. The first Polish F-35As arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in December 2024, with operational deployment in Poland scheduled to begin in 2026 and full fleet buildup continuing through 2030.
AIM-120D-3 Capabilities
The AIM-120D-3 represents the latest evolution of the AMRAAM family. Developed under the F3R program, it features redesigned electronics, SIP-3F software, extended range (160–180 km), two-way datalink, and an advanced active radar seeker. With speeds approaching Mach 4 and a 20-kg fragmentation warhead, it can destroy maneuvering fighters, cruise missiles, or high-value enablers.
Integration With F-16 and F-35
Poland’s F-16 fleet already employs earlier AMRAAM variants and is undergoing a $3.8 billion modernization cycle. The AIM-120D-3 allows Poland to unify its BVR missile inventory across two generations of combat aircraft. The F-35’s stealth profile, AESA radar, distributed IR sensors, and data-fusion engine enable long-range detection and cooperative targeting with D-3 missiles fired from both F-35s and F-16s.
Changing Air Defense Geometry
Pairing the F-35 with the AIM-120D-3 significantly extends Poland’s early-engagement envelope. In a QRA scenario, an F-35 can detect threats beyond visual range, launch a D-3 missile, and refine its mid-course trajectory through its fused sensor network. Cooperative engagements allow stealth F-35s to designate targets while F-16s fire from stand-off positions.
Wider Modernization Effort
Poland is expanding defense spending toward 5% of GDP, with multiple programs including Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, and expanded ground-based air defense. The AIM-120D-3, also compatible with NASAMS, may enable harmonization between air-to-air and surface-to-air interceptors around a common missile family.
NATO and Regional Impact
By procuring the AIM-120D-3, Poland joins countries like Finland and Germany in fielding the most modern AMRAAM variant in Europe. The move complicates Russian air operations near NATO’s northeastern flank and supports the Alliance’s shift toward high-end airpower along the eastern front.
