The US Congress has approved the transfer of $288.6 million in Foreign Military Financing to Poland. The support, which was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv on 8 September, makes Poland one of the largest recipients of Foreign Military Assistance other than Ukraine. It is aimed at strengthening Poland’s ability to deter and defend against the increased threat from Russia.

The US embassy notes that “Poland has provided extraordinary support to Ukraine in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion.” Therefore, the funds approved by the US Congress “will accelerate the process of replenishing equipment that Poland has been able to transfer from its own stockpile to strengthen Ukraine’s defence, such as tanks. We continue to encourage countries to provide urgently needed support to Ukraine, as well as to start negotiating contracts with defence companies, with the aim of starting production of equipment for Ukraine as soon as possible” says the US embassy.

Although it is not clear where the additional funds will be allocated, it is possible that they will be used to finance the procurement of 116 used Abrams tanks, which will partially replace the T-72 vehicles delivered to Ukraine.

The US Arms Export Control Act (AECA) authorises the US President to fund the procurement of defence articles and services for other countries and international organisations. The Foreign Military Financing programme allows eligible partner countries to purchase US defence articles, services and training.

The Secretary of State approves which countries will participate in the programme, and the US Secretary of Defence is responsible for its implementation.

Adrian Andrzejewski