Poland buys 96 AH-64E Apache combat helicopters
Deal is worth approximately $12 billion
Poland has finalised an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 96 new AH-64E Apache combat helicopters as the NATO country seeks to beef up its armed forces with advanced military assets following Russia’s unprovoked full invasion of Ukraine.
The deal, worth about $12 billion and endorsed by the US government, was signed on August 13, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia, by Poland’s Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who stated that the Apaches would replace Poland’s ageing Soviet-made Mi-24 helicopters.
In September 2022, the Government of Poland selected the AH-64E Apache for the Polish Armed Forces’ new attack helicopter fleet.
The deal, part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter programme, positions Poland as the 19th nation to operate the Apache combat helicopter and the largest Apache operator outside the US.
The agreement includes the Polish defence industry’s maintenance and support of the Apache helicopters, the establishment of training programmes, and support for developing a composite laboratory.
Vince Logsdon, Vice President of International Business Development for Boeing Defence, Space & Security, said on August 13, 2024: “We are honoured the Government of Poland has placed their confidence in us.
“The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland’s operational capability and interoperability with the US, NATO and allied nations. We look forward to delivering this unmatched capability.”
Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Vertical Lift for Being, added: “Poland’s commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest [Apache] operator outside of the United States.”
Boeing has been building the AH-64 Apache for over 40 years in Mesa, Arizona.
The AH-64E is the most modern Apache configuration to date. It combines a battle-tested design with transformational technologies to deliver a unique mix of performance and versatility.
Boeing delivered the first US Army Apache AH-64A in January 1984. Since then, the US, Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom operate more than 2,700 AH-64 Apache combat helicopters.
Featured image: The 96 new AH-64E Apache combat helicopters deal was signed on August 13, 2024. Credit: Poland’s Ministry of Defence
