Poland has formalised an order for nearly 100 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in a deal worth over $10 billion.
In all, Warsaw will acquire 96 Apaches, which will be operated by the Polish land forces and replace outdated Soviet-era Mil Mi-24-family helicopters. Cirium fleets data records a total of 29 Mi-24 examples in Polish service.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the signing of the letter of acceptance (LOA) at Latkowo airport in Inowroclaw, the home of the 1st Land Forces Aviation Brigade, deputy prime minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said the new fleet marked a “milestone in transformation”.
To be acquired via the USA’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, the AH-64E deal includes logistics and training packages, plus ammunition and spare parts.
Poland does not specify a contract value, with Kosiniak-Kamysz simply referring to the purchase as costing “10 billion dollars”. However, an FMS notice issued in August 2023 by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency put the total acquisition cost at a potential $12 billion.
“There is no other helicopter in the world like the Apache in every respect,” adds secretary of state for defence Pawel Bejda. “These 10 billion dollars are the insurance of our country, the insurance of our freedom… [and] are a guarantee that we will deter those who have evil intentions towards the Republic of Poland.”
In a social media post, he says the first AH-64E will be delivered to Poland in 2028, although the country will initially lease eight units from the US Army.
Warsaw has also struck offset agreements with US companies – including Boeing and engine supplier GE Aerospace – that will see maintenance and support activities performed at plants in Deblin and Lodz.
A training pact signed last year with the US government has also allowed a first cohort of Polish pilots and engineers to complete training on the attack type.
“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 operator outside of the United States,” says Kathleen Jolivette, vice-president and general manager, Boeing Vertical Lift.
