Poland set to sign papers for US Patriot defense system but will produce the superior performance “Magic Wand” by  Israeli manufacturer, Rafael, at a cost of $7.6 billion, 10% of the price of its American competitor.

By i24NEWS

The United States has agreed to sell the Patriot missile defense system to Poland, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz announced on Thursday. The Ynet news site reports that Poland insisted that the system by configured to use the Israeli missile marketed globally under the name “Skyceptor,” due to its superior performance at only 10% of the cost of the American Patriot missile.

“A memorandum was signed tonight that the US government has agreed to sell Poland Patriot missiles in the most modern configuration,” Macierewicz said in a press conference, according to the Reuters news agency.

Patriot PAC-3 Configuration missile launcher – Photo: U.S. Army

“I am glad that I can pass on this information on the day of President’s Trump visit to Warsaw,” he said.

Poland will buy eight missile batteries at a cost of $7.6 billion, Ynet reports. The system’s main interception missile will be the “Magic Wand” system, also known as “David’s Sling,” developed and manufactured by Israeli manufacturer, Rafael.

Magic Wand missile launch – Photo: Israel’s Defense Ministry

The signing of the full agreement is expected in November.

The US and Israeli defense establishments have agreed to the Polish demand that the manufacturing of the missiles take place in Poland, Ynet reports. So that the country has an operational system within a shorter timeframe, Poland will acquire a small number of American interceptors until the plant becomes fully operational.

Rafael is expected to make around $1 billion from the $8 billion agreement – one of the largest deals the company has ever made.

View original i24News publication at:
http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/149944-170709-poland-agrees-to-buy-us-patriot-defense-system-with-israeli-missiles