Poland's defence minister on Wednesday signed a deal to buy a second batch of US Abrams main battle tanks as Warsaw beefs up its defensive capabilities and strengthens military cooperation with Washington in light of Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine.
Officials said Poland is the first US ally in Europe to be receiving Abrams tanks.
Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed the USD 1.4 billion deal at a military base in Wesola, near Warsaw. The agreement foresees the delivery of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks with related equipment and logistics starting this year.
"We are strengthening Poland's armed forces, we are strengthening the iron fist of the Polish army in order to increase the power to deter the aggressor," said Blaszczak, who is also a deputy prime minister.
He said cooperation between Poland and the US is strengthening the security of the entire region and especially of the eastern flank of NATO.
Attending the signing ceremony were US deputy chief of mission in Poland Daniel Lawton and US Brig. Gen. John Lubas, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, elements of which are stationed in southeastern Poland close to the border with Ukraine.