The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress July 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Poland worth an estimated $200 million.
Poland requested a possible sale for follow-on technical support and a Service Life Extension Program for the upgrade and conversion of MK15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) aboard two ex-FFG-7-class frigates from the Block 0 to Block 1B, Baseline 2 configuration, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, system overhauls and upgrades. The effort also would include personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical support, and other related elements of program support.
Poland’s s efforts in peacekeeping operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests, DSCA said in its statement. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Poland to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The proposed sale would improve Poland’s capability to meet current and future operational needs. Poland already has the capability to maintain the current frigates and will have no difficulty absorbing the upgraded shipboard systems into its armed forces.
The proposed sale will involve multiple contractors, as well as U.S. Atlantic Coast shipyards that will compete for planning and execution of the system overhaul and upgrade projects.