Poland expects Iran war to delay US weapons deliveries

The war in Iran will lead to delays in U.S. weapons deliveries to Europe, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said Friday.

“The U.S. industry will focus on replenishing the stockpiles used in the Middle East,” he told reporters in Warsaw. “We expect some delays in deliveries,” especially if the conflict drags on, he said, adding that makes it even more urgent for Europeans to increase their own production capabilities.

He was echoed by European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius: “Americans will not be able to provide enough for Gulf countries, Ukraine needs, and the U.S. army itself.”

The U.S. and Gulf countries are now fighting against Iranian missiles and drones mainly with Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles. U.S. officials have warned that could strain American stockpiles.

It’s also having an immediate knock-on effect on deliveries. According to the Swiss press, deliveries of Patriot air defense systems to Switzerland will be delayed even further because of the war in the Middle East.

Kubilius is on a so-called a missile tour in Europe, which started in Poland.

He also said he was “very surprised” about the Polish dispute over the EU’s loans-for-weapons SAFE scheme. Polish President Karol Nawrocki hasn’t signed off the SAFE bill and proposed instead financing with the help of the National Bank of Poland.

“Who will lose if Poland doesn’t approve SAFE? Saying no to SAFE is saying no to jobs for Polish people,” Kubilius stressed. “If Poland decided to use taxpayers’ money to buy weapons from somewhere else, that will mean Polish taxpayers money will create jobs elsewhere.”