The Polish Ministry of Defence has initiated a series of agreements with the US to lease the AH-64D Apache attack helicopters for the Army.
The signing ceremony, held at Latkowo airport in Inowrocław, included figures such as Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda, US representatives, and personnel from Boeing.
These agreements facilitate the transfer of eight AH-64D Apache helicopters from the US to the Polish Armed Forces.
They also ensure the comprehensive management of their operation and the training of Polish personnel throughout the lease period.
This interim solution allows Poland to develop the necessary operational skills until the delivery of the target AH-64E Apache helicopters, which have been previously ordered.
The AH-64D Apaches are assigned for the 1st Land Forces Aviation Brigade, where a training programme for pilots, technical staff, and support personnel will commence.
Following a training agreement struck in 2023 by the Air Force Inspectorate, the inaugural group of Polish pilots and engineers have completed training courses in the US and will serve as the future instructional cadre.
This acquisition is a part of enhancing the combat prowess of the Land Forces Aviation.
The lease precedes the fulfilment of an agreement made in August 2024, which will see Poland procuring 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters, complete with logistical support, training packages, combat assets, and spare parts.
The contract, valued at approximately $10bn (39.9bn zlotys) net, has scheduled deliveries from 2028 to 2032.
Paweł Bejda said: ‘In 2028, we are waiting for the first 15 units out of 96 ordered last year for the considerable amount of ten billion dollars. I want to tell you that as the management of the Ministry of National Defense, we are restoring order in our activities – everything is being carried out according to plan.
‘The offset accompanying the contract for the supply of Apache helicopters is good for the Polish economy, because thanks to it, the Military Aviation Plant No. 1 in Łódź and Dęblin will be able to service both the composite structures of helicopters and their engines. Importantly, the same engines are also used in Leonardo and Black Hawk helicopters.’
Upon completion, Poland is said to rank as the second-largest operator of Apache helicopters globally, following the US.
In October, Poland secured a $3.08bn foreign military financing loan from the US, aimed at reinforcing Poland’s defence capabilities, with a portion allocated for the AH-64E Apache helicopter acquisition.
Additionally, Paweł Bejda indicated that a forthcoming contract for the delivery of NBWP Borsuk to the Polish Army is on the horizon.
A report by GlobalData titled ‘Poland Defense Market 2024-2029‘ forecasts that Poland’s defence expenditure for 2025-2029 will reach $221.6bn, growing at a CAGR of 5.0%.
