Poland acquires over 200 AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles to equip its F-35s, enhancing their ability to neutralize enemy radars.
Poland has signed a $745 million (approx. 680 million euros) contract to purchase over 200 AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles from the USA. These missiles, designed to destroy enemy radar transmitters, will be integrated into Poland’s future F-35 fleet, the first deliveries of which are scheduled for next year. The missiles will be delivered between 2029 and 2035. This acquisition is part of Poland’s strategy to modernize its armed forces in the face of regional threats.
Technical specifications of the AGM-88G AARGM-ER
The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) is an air-to-ground missile designed to neutralize enemy air defense systems by specifically targeting their radar emissions. With a length of 4.17 meters, a diameter of 25.4 centimeters and a wingspan of 1.12 meters, it weighs 361 kilograms. Powered by a solid rocket motor, it reaches speeds in excess of Mach 2, i.e. over 2,450 km/h.
The missile is equipped with a multimode guidance system combining a GPS-coupled inertial navigation system, a passive radar seeker to detect enemy emissions, and an active millimeter radar for the terminal phase of engagement. This combination enables precise detection and effective neutralization of targets, even if they try to mask their emissions.
Integration into Polish air platforms
Poland plans to integrate AARGM-ER missiles into its F-35A Lightning II fleet, with first deliveries expected in 2026. The F-35A is designed to carry these missiles internally, thus preserving its stealth. In addition, adaptations are envisaged to equip the Polish Air Force’s F-16 C/D Block 52+, thus extending its capability to suppress enemy air defenses.
The integration of these missiles on different platforms offers greater operational flexibility, enabling Poland to respond effectively to a variety of air and ground threats. This versatility is essential to ensure robust and adaptable air defense.
Strategic consequences of the acquisition
The acquisition of the AARGM-ER missiles represents a significant step forward for Poland’s military capabilities. By strengthening its ability to neutralize enemy air defense systems, Poland improves its capacity to carry out offensive and defensive air operations. This ability to suppress enemy air defenses is crucial to ensuring air superiority in the event of conflict.
In addition, this acquisition strengthens Poland’s position within NATO, demonstrating its commitment to modernizing its armed forces and contributing to the alliance’s collective security. It also sends a deterrent message to potential adversaries, signaling Poland’s determination to defend its airspace and protect its sovereignty.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland has stepped up efforts to modernize its armed forces. By 2025, the country plans to spend around 160 billion zlotys (around 35 billion euros), or 4.2% of its gross domestic product, on defense. This significant increase in the defense budget is aimed at strengthening military capabilities in the face of growing regional threats.
In addition to the acquisition of AARGM-ER missiles, Poland has ordered 32 F-35A fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled from 2026. These initiatives are part of an overall strategy to modernize Poland’s armed forces and improve their interoperability with NATO allies.
Future prospects
The integration of AARGM-ER missiles into Poland’s arsenal represents an important step in the modernization of its military capabilities. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the proper training of crews, the maintenance of weapon systems and the adaptation of operational doctrines to take full advantage of these new capabilities.
In the long term, Poland will need to continue investing in research and development to remain at the cutting edge of military technology. This includes the exploration of new technologies, such as defense systems against emerging threats, and the continuous improvement of electronic warfare capabilities.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.