US to sell cruise missiles to Poland amid tensions with Russia
Iran Press TV
Wed Sep 24, 2014 8:3AM GMT
The United States is planning to sell advanced cruise missiles to Poland in a $500 million arms deal amid Washington's tensions with Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine.
The agreement includes the sale of 40 air-launched-missiles and upgrades to the country's F-16 fighter fleet.
The missiles are AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) with a range of 250 miles from Lockheed Martin.
The cruise missiles will enable the Polish Air Force to attack targets in Russia without having to leave their own airspace.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the deal will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States.
"Poland continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in Central Europe. The proposed sale will improve Poland's capability to meet current and future threats of enemy air and ground weapon systems," it said.
Tensions have escalated between Washington and Moscow after the US accused Russia of supporting pro-Russian forces in Ukraine, an allegation denied by the Kremlin.
President Barack Obama has repeatedly condemned Russian "aggression" in Ukraine, imposing economic sanctions against Moscow.
Obama said Moscow's actions are designed to undermine Kiev's reform plans, adding that Washington and its partners would continue to build pressure on Russia and support Ukraine's efforts to reform its economy.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuked Western sanctions against his country and said they are highly politicized and in violation of the World Trade Organization's equal and fair competition principle.
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