"Later this year, the first HIMARS launchers, ordered in 2019, will go to the equipment of the 18th Mechanized Division, which is responsible for defending the so-called Suwałki Isthmus. (...) In the fall, these HIMARS which are visible behind me will go to Poland. However, I have great news, already in mid-May the first launchers will be in Poland. We have trained our soldiers, thus Polish soldiers will take up their duties, so to speak, on the march. In a very short time we will have at our disposal weapons that have proven themselves in Ukraine. In the hands of Ukrainians, these weapons make it possible to effectively repel Russian attacks."

- he said.

During the meeting with Lockheed Martin executives, the head of the Ministry of Defense also discussed co-production of HIMARS systems and production of Javelin guided anti-tank missiles in Poland.  As he announced, the Lockheed Martin corporation is ready to cooperate with the Polish defense industry in this regard.

"After a conversation with Lockheed Martin's board of directors, I heard an assurance of readiness to cooperate with the Polish armaments industry, of readiness to strengthen the Polish armaments industry. As it creates possibility to increase the scale of HIMARS production, it is beneficial for the United States as well.(...) Javelins have proven themselves splendidly in Ukraine, and even though they are already in the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces, the needs are much greater, as is the interest of countries in Europe."

- Deputy Prime Minister stated.

The head of the Ministry of Defense also announced that on Friday, during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the head of the the Polish MoD will sign a cooperation agreement on defense procurement.

"This agreement will create a basis for the Polish defense industry to engage more effectively in cooperation with the US defense industry"

- Deputy Prime Minister pointed out.

 

>>> GALLERY - Visit of the head of the Ministry of Defense to the USA and Canada.

***
During the first day of his visit to the United States, the head of the Ministry of Defense took part in the celebration of Constitution Day at the residence of the Polish ambassador in Washington. At the celebration were present also officials from the State Department and Pentagon, as well as Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova.

"This anniversary was not always as easy to celebrate. During the Russian and German occupation it was illegal and some of our citizens risked their lives demonstrating their commitment to Polishness (...) Today it is Ukraine that is fighting for its existence, sovereignty and freedom. Poland will never tire in efforts to realize this goal."

- Deputy Prime Minister stressed.