The United States Army (U.S. Army) has delivered to Poland the eighth and final AH-64D Apache attack helicopter that the European country leased from Washington, thereby completing the batch of aircraft intended to support the training process of pilots and technical personnel of the Polish Army. The incorporation of these units is part of a transitional program that will prepare crews ahead of the future introduction of the AH-64E Apache helicopters acquired by Warsaw from the U.S.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Poland, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, confirmed the arrival of the last aircraft through a message published on the social media platform X. In his statement he said: “The eighth and last of the AH-64D helicopters leased from the U.S. is now in Poland. This is important news for the Polish Army and our security.”
The official also indicated that the crew training process is progressing according to the planned schedule. In this regard, he added that “the training of pilots and technical personnel is being carried out according to the established timeline,” highlighting that these activities will allow the armed forces to prepare to operate the new helicopters acquired in the U.S.
According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the availability of these aircraft will allow Poland to advance in strengthening its military capabilities. “Thanks to this, we will be prepared to receive the 96 helicopters purchased in the U.S. and use them to build our deterrence and defense potential,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.
The arrival of these aircraft is part of a lease agreement signed with the United States Army (U.S. Army) aimed at accelerating the training of future crews who will operate the AH-64E Apache version. In January 2026, Kosiniak-Kamysz himself had reported that seven of the eight helicopters were already in Poland, noting that the units were being deployed at Air Base No. 56 located in the city of Inowrocław.
At that time, the official had stated that the availability of these aircraft would allow the training of soldiers, pilots, and technicians to be carried out according to the established plans. He also emphasized that the modernization process of the Polish Army seeks to incorporate new deterrence and defense capabilities, as part of a broader program to strengthen the armed forces.
The Apache helicopter acquisition program is also linked to a contract announced at the end of November 2025, when the U.S. government awarded Boeing the production of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters destined for Poland. The agreement, valued at over 4.7 billion dollars, will make Warsaw the nineteenth operator of this platform and, once deliveries begin in 2028, the country will have one of the largest Apache fleets outside of the U.S. Army.
Following the signing of the contract, Boeing’s Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programs, Christina Upah, stated: “This important agreement allows us to begin building one of the largest Apache fleets the world has ever seen. In close collaboration with the Polish Armed Forces, we are focused on rigorous execution to help enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and meet the strong demand for the most advanced attack helicopter.”
*Cover image obtained from the account of the Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister of Poland.
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