GE Aerospace has entered a Polish offset agreement related to Warsaw’s prospective acquisition of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
The offset agreement, signed with Poland’s defence ministry, covers local support for the T700/CT7 family of engines, says GE Aerospace.
The agreement will see Poland’s Military Aviation Works (WZL-1) provide license MRO support for T700/CT7 engines that will power the “anticipated” fleet of Apaches, as well as T700/CT7s that power types such as the Sikorsky S-70i, Leonardo Helicopters AW149 and AW101 that are in service with the Polish armed forces.
In addition, the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (WAT) will manage training for Polish technicians, military personnel, and Military Aviation Works personnel involved with supporting the Polish military’s rotorcraft fleet.
“These collaborations with WZL-1 and WAT will be the key to ensuring Poland has the right capabilities and resources to support Poland’s growing fleet of GE Aerospace’s T700/CT7 engines,” says Rita Flaherty, vice-president, global sales and business development at GE Aerospace.
“WZL-1 has significant expertise in engine MRO services, and WAT is known for its sophisticated military training and producing well qualified technicians who will work on these engines for decades to come.”
In September 2022, former Polish defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak said Warsaw has requested “the acquisition of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters in the latest Guardian version”.
Warsaw also wanted technology transfer to be part of the transaction.
