Poland to buy US patriot missiles

Poland has announced a deal to buy US Patriot surface-to-air missiles, amid rising tension with Russia.

President Bronislaw Komorowski said Poland would start talks with the US to finalise the multibillion contract.

The move follows reports that Russia has deployed missiles in its exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders Poland, according to the (BBC).

The Patriot is an advanced missile system intended to defend against aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.

Warsaw wants to buy the Patriots because it is concerned about Moscow placing missiles in Kaliningrad that borders northern Poland, according to the BBC.
Poland currently has no defence against such weapons.

The missile deal - which could be worth about $7 billion - is the largest in Polish history.

Poland also plans to buy helicopters, submarines and armoured personnel carriers.