WARSAW — Poland has moved closer to acquiring U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles after the Pentagon issued a positive recommendation on its purchase request, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced following meetings in Washington on November 10, 2026.
Poland submitted the request several months ago. However, the proposed sale still requires approval from the U.S. Congress, which could consider it in early 2027, according to Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Bejda. The number of missiles, launchers, cost and delivery schedule have not been disclosed.
The Tomahawk is a long-range precision-guided cruise missile with a reported range of up to 1,600 kilometres and a warhead weighing approximately 450 kg. Its acquisition would give Poland a new long-range conventional strike capability.
Possible Launch Platforms
Poland is considering ground-based launch systems alongside potential naval deployment. One possible option is the U.S. Typhon system, which can launch both Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles. Germany is also pursuing Typhon launchers and Tomahawk missiles to strengthen its long-range strike capabilities.
At sea, Poland's planned Miecznik-class frigates will feature Mk 41 vertical launch systems, which are compatible with Tomahawks. However, using the missiles would require integration with the ships' combat management systems.
Poland had previously considered Tomahawks for its future Orka-class submarines but has also discussed the smaller NSM-SL (Naval Strike Missile–Submarine Launched) for that programme.
Production and Delivery Challenges
The potential purchase has raised concerns among Polish defence analysts about dependence on foreign suppliers and the impact on domestic defence manufacturers. Some experts favour developing indigenous strike drones first, followed by domestic cruise and ballistic missiles.
Poland is also participating in the European Long-range Strike Approach (ELSA) alongside France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom to develop European long-range strike capabilities.
Delivery timelines remain uncertain as the United States is rebuilding its missile inventories following extensive use during the Iran conflict. Manufacturer Raytheon is expanding production capacity to more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles annually under a seven-year agreement, but increasing production will take time.
During the November 10 Washington meetings, Poland and the United States also signed an agreement to strengthen defence industry cooperation, covering joint development and industrial initiatives.
——— End of Article ———
