Poland Acquires Israeli Coastal Radars in $100M Deal to Bolster Baltic Security

Israeli company Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), will supply Poland with 18 ELM-2238 STAR-X radar stations, designed to monitor surface activity and low-flying targets over the sea and near Poland's borders. The deal is valued at over $100 million. Deliveries are scheduled to begin at the end of 2027 and are expected to be completed by 2033.

The new radars will detect surface targets and aerial targets flying at altitudes from sea level up to approximately 3 kilometers. They will complete Poland's target detection network, which currently relies on older stationary NUR-23 radars and more modern systems for high-altitude surveillance, including those mounted on Saab 340 AEW aircraft.

Polish officials said the new system would provide comprehensive coverage of the Polish coastline, enhance the country's “East Shield” defense zone, and strengthen surveillance near the Kaliningrad Oblast. They emphasized that the investment is part of a broader national security strategy focused on protecting critical infrastructure and communication routes.

At a signing ceremony held this week at the Armament Agency in Warsaw—attended by Elta representatives—Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the Baltic Sea has effectively become a "NATO internal sea" following the accession of Sweden and Finland. He cited recent Russian airspace violations, seabed cable sabotage, and GPS signal disruptions as signs of a deteriorating security environment in the region, stressing the need for the highest level of coastal defense.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Poland—like other Baltic nations—has taken steps to counter potential Russian attempts to destabilize the region. The radar acquisition is one of several measures in Poland’s broader military buildup aimed at addressing the Russian threat.

Poland’s defense spending now exceeds 4% of GDP, enabling rapid procurement of advanced systems and increased force readiness. For example, recent reports indicate Poland plans to purchase three to four new submarines to replace its aging fleet. Additionally, Poland and South Korea are reportedly in advanced negotiations over the sale of 180 K2 "Black Panther" main battle tanks, in a deal valued at approximately $6 billion.