Poland's Ministry of National Defence has finalized a major agreement with the United States to acquire 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, along with associated gear and weaponry, for its armed forces. The signing ceremony, which took place on August 13, was attended by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
Valued at approximately $10 billion, this acquisition represents the largest procurement of Western-made helicopters in Poland's history. The deal also includes offset agreements, ensuring that Poland’s defense industry will participate in the maintenance and upgrade of these helicopters.
The new Apaches will replace the aging fleet of Soviet-designed Mil Mi-2 and Mi-24 helicopters currently in service. Once all 96 helicopters are delivered, Poland will become the second-largest operator of Apache helicopters globally, after the U.S. military.
The helicopters will be stationed at the 1st Aviation Brigade in Inowrocław, in western Poland, where they will provide aerial support to Polish ground forces. This purchase is part of Poland's broader effort to modernize its military in response to security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The U.S. State Department approved the foreign military sale to Poland on August 21, 2023. In addition to the helicopters, the contract includes a wide array of weaponry, such as 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles, 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, and 508 Stinger 92K Block I missiles.
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