The contract to buy hot air balloons between Poland and the US is worth about more than 1.2 billion USD. (Source: UK Defence Journal)

The UK Defence Journal quoted the ministry's announcement stating that four reconnaissance balloons ordered from the US, codenamed "Barbara", will join Poland's reconnaissance and early warning system.

The value of this purchase contract is approximately more than 1.2 billion USD, including ground and airborne radar systems, as well as extensive support activities provided by the US side, including training and logistics packages or technical documentation.

The Polish Ministry of Defense emphasized that the new equipment will significantly improve the country's military's aerial surveillance capabilities.

For its part, Washington asserted that this deal will help strengthen security for Poland, an important US ally in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The sale will also help Warsaw improve its ability to counter current and future threats from enemy air and ground weapons systems.