US approves sale of F-35 fighters to Poland

By Vakkas Dogantekin

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. has approved sale of 32 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Poland -- a deal worth $6.5 billion.

"This proposed sale of F-35s will provide Poland a credible defense capability, to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with the U.S. forces,” said a statement published on the website of Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which provides aid and training to U.S. allies.

The administration will formally notify the Congress of this sale next week.

While the U.S. Congress has powers to block the deal, it is expected to sail smoothly.

A NATO member since 1999, Poland had made an official request for the acquisition of F-35 in May, in line with its military modernization efforts.

The Central European country had earlier announced, to spend $47 billion by 2026, on the purchase of new armaments.

The fifth-generation F-35 jet is single-seat, single-engine, stealth, multirole combat aircraft, designed for ground-attack and air-superiority missions.

Its pilots have a 360-degree view of the outside on their visors -- up, down and all around.