Poland faces criticism over PAC-3 missile transfer to Ukraine

Poland's government is under fire from opposition parties PiS and Konfederacja over its decision to send PAC-3 Patriot missiles to Ukraine. Critics argue that the transfer depletes Poland's own modern and limited defensive capabilities, particularly against ballistic missile threats from Russia.

The PAC-3 missiles are advanced, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, and are produced in limited quantities, with an annual global production of around 600 units. Each missile costs between $3 million and $5 million. The opposition contends that Poland is sacrificing crucial national security assets.

“

the transfer of PAC-3 missiles to Kyiv meant Poland was getting rid of modern, deficit weaponry that was supposed to protect our country from the threat of Russian ballistic missiles.

In response, the government, led by Donald Tusk, explained that the missile transfer occurred at the request of NATO's Secretary General and with the approval of the United States, the missiles' manufacturer. They assured that Poland and other contributing nations would receive more missiles than they supplied if their own territories faced threats.

“

the transfer of missiles took place at the request of the Secretary General of NATO, with the consent of the USA, the manufacturer of these missiles.

The government also revealed the scale of previous military aid to Ukraine, stating that under the PiS government, aid worth approximately 14.9 billion Polish zloty was provided, while the current coalition has sent aid valued at about 1.55 billion zloty. PiS countered by claiming their aid consisted of older, Soviet-era equipment, though the current government disputes this, noting that Leopard 2A4 tanks and Krab howitzers were also sent during that period.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently appealed to allies for Patriot missile supplies due to ongoing Russian ballistic and hypersonic missile attacks.

“

Poland and other countries that transferred PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine were assured that if their territory was threatened, they would receive more missiles than they provided in this regard.