SHAHEEN WELCOMES ANNOUNCED POLISH PURCHASE OF U.S. MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM
The sale comes as Eastern European nations face threats from an antagonistic Russia
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) welcomed an announcement by Polish authorities that they intend to purchase Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems’ U.S. Patriot missile defense system. Shaheen has been a strong proponent of the purchase which will not only strengthen Polish national defenses but will improve NATO’s collective missile defense capabilities. The announcement comes as Eastern European nations are facing an increasingly antagonistic Russia.
“The purchase of Raytheon’s U.S. Patriot Missile System by Poland is an important step toward bolstering Eastern Europe’s defensive capabilities at a time when there is increasing instability in the region,” Shaheen said. “This purchase will greatly enhance long-term U.S.-NATO and U.S.-Polish military cooperation and provide much needed defenses to our allies.”
The Patriots system, manufactured by Raytheon, represents one of the most advanced air and missile defense systems in the world. The estimated $5 billion sale to Poland will benefit Raytheon’s employee and supplier base in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Shaheen has written several letters to President Obama in support of the sale.
As the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation, Shaheen oversees critical issues related to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Union (EU), and Russia, as well as global responsibility for regional security cooperation.
