Warsaw: With an eye on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war waging next door, Poland’s defence minister signed a deal to buy a second batch of US Abrams main battle tanks as Warsaw beefs up its defensive capabilities and strengthens military cooperation with Washington.

Officials said Poland is the first US ally in Europe to be receiving Abrams tanks.

Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak signed the $1.4 billion deal at a military base in Wesola, near Warsaw. The agreement foresees the delivery of 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks with related equipment and logistics starting this year.

Attending the signing ceremony were US deputy chief of mission in Poland Daniel Lawton and US Brig. Gen. John Lubas, deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division, elements of which are stationed in south-eastern Poland close to the border with Ukraine.

The deal follows last year’s agreement for the acquisition of 250 upgraded M1A2 Abrams tanks that will be delivered in the 2025-2026 time frame. Poland is also awaiting delivery of American High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and has already received Patriot missile batteries.

Speaking in Wesola, Polish and American officials said the deals strengthen Poland, the region and NATO’s eastern front as the war in Ukraine continues.