The main subject of the talks was the support and maintenance of M1 Abrams tanks, which are being integrated into the Polish Army. Both parties reviewed the requirements for long-term operational readiness and service sustainability of the vehicles.
8 kwietnia 2025 r., w Ministerstwie Obrony Narodowej odbyło się spotkanie Sekretarza Stanu w Ministerstwie Obrony Narodowej, @pawelbejda, z Prezesem Zarządu General Dynamics Land Systems, Davidem Paddockiem. Rozmowy stanowiły ważny krok w procesie pogłębiania współpracy między… pic.twitter.com/DlABDV0Hp0
— Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) April 9, 2025
Polish officials were also presented with details of a planned cooperation agreement between GDLS and the Military Automotive Works (Wojskowe Zakłady Motoryzacyjne, WZM) in Poznań. The agreement would aim to develop domestic capabilities in servicing, training, and possibly production related to the Abrams tank platform.
If concluded, the deal could help build Poland’s technical expertise in advanced armoured systems and strengthen the country’s defence industrial base. It would also contribute to enhancing national capacity for independent equipment support.
Secretary of State Paweł Bejda emphasised the strategic importance of industrial cooperation with GDLS for the Polish defence sector. He also highlighted the need to expand local servicing capabilities, which improve the operational autonomy of the Polish Armed Forces and reduce response times in emergency situations.
The visit by GDLS leadership reflects the growing depth of Polish-American defence ties. It also supports Poland’s broader aim to develop a more self-reliant and modern military infrastructure through international partnerships.
Poland expands armoured capabilities with Abrams tank acquisitions
Poland is significantly enhancing its armoured forces through the acquisition of M1 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States. This initiative includes two major procurement phases: the delivery of 116 M1A1 FEP tanks and the planned acquisition of 250 M1A2 SEPv3 tanks.
The M1A1 FEP tanks, sourced from former U.S. Marine Corps stocks, were delivered between 2023 and 2024. These tanks are intended to replace older T-72 and PT-91 models that Poland has transferred to Ukraine .
In April 2022, Poland signed a contract for 250 new M1A2 SEPv3 tanks, with deliveries scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The first batch of these advanced tanks arrived in early 2025, and Polish crews have commenced live-fire training exercises .
