As part of the process of incorporating 96 new AH-64E Apache helicopters, the Polish government has confirmed the lease of 8 AH-64D units from the United States Army to train and prepare future pilots and crews of the Polish Armed Forces. This was announced during a ceremony held on February 27, where the leasing contract was signed by Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz in a deal valued at $300 million.
There is no doubt that the invasion of Ukraine has given Poland renewed momentum in its Armed Forces modernization plan, impacting nearly all domains in which its military operates and leading to the replacement of decades-old Soviet-era equipment.
The case of the Polish Army’s aviation units is no exception, as their combat and operational capabilities will be significantly expanded with the purchase of 96 new AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing. Known as the “Guardian,” this is the latest variant of the aircraft introduced into the U.S. Army’s aviation regiments. However, this Polish program requires initial and complementary efforts to pave the way for the arrival of the first units in 2028.
This is evidenced by the recent contract signed by the Ministry of Defense authorities for the lease of eight Delta-variant Apaches from the U.S. Army, intended to ensure the start of “…a comprehensive process of operation and personnel training during the service period.” These eight helicopters will be assigned to the 1st Army Aviation Brigade, where they will be crucial for “…the training of pilots, technical personnel, and maintenance crews.”
As part of the AH-64E Guardian acquisition, the first batch of attack helicopters will consist of fifteen (15) units, which Boeing will deliver in 2028, with subsequent deliveries continuing until 2032. This will make Poland, by the early 2030s, the second-largest operator of the platform, surpassed only by the United States.
However, the $10 billion investment also includes technology transfer agreements and capabilities to sustain the AH-64E fleet as part of industrial offset agreements.
“…The offset agreement associated with the Apache purchase is beneficial for the Polish industry, as it will enable Military Aviation Workshops No. 1 in Łódź and Dęblin to handle the maintenance of composite structures and helicopter engines. These same engines also power the Leonardo and Black Hawk helicopters, further enhancing our defense industry’s capabilities. Additionally, the Military Technical Academy will be able to train students, technicians, and engineers in the maintenance and repair of composite components and engines, ensuring that at least 50% of defense spending remains within the national industry,” stated Poland’s Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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