Poland has taken a significant step towards strengthening its military capabilities. On August 13, 2024, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a $10 billion (about €9,14 billion) contract for the purchase of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. This contract, signed at the 56th Inowrocław-Latkowo Air Base, home of the 1st Land Forces Aviation Brigade, represents one of the largest single defense contracts in Poland's history.
The contract covers not only the delivery of the state-of-the-art Apache attack helicopters, but also a comprehensive logistics and training package. This includes ammunition and spare parts necessary for the effective use and maintenance of the helicopters. This ensures that Poland not only has the hardware, but also receives the necessary support to effectively put the new systems into operation.
The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters are the newest and most advanced variant of the Apache series, featuring improved engines, new composite rotor blades and superior combat capabilities. These technological improvements will enable Poland to significantly increase its air combat capabilities and strengthen interoperability with the US, NATO and other allied nations.
Background and strategic considerations
The purchase of the 96 Apache helicopters is part of a comprehensive modernization of the Polish Armed Forces. The new helicopters are to replace around 30 old Soviet Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters. This conversion is part of the "Kruk" (Polish for "raven") program, which aims to replace the country's aging attack helicopters and bring Poland's air force up to date with the latest technology.
Poland will be the second largest operator of Apache helicopters in the world after the United States. This underlines not only the importance of the purchase for Polish defense, but also the strategic partnership between Poland and the United States in the field of defense.
The delivery of the new Apache helicopters is planned for the period between 2028 and 2032. To bridge the transition period, Poland has already leased eight AH-64E Apaches from the US Army. These helicopters will be used for a training agreement to train the first group of pilots and technicians in 2023. This will enable a seamless integration of the new helicopters into the Polish Armed Forces once they are delivered.
Compensation agreements and economic impacts
In addition to the purchase agreement, Poland has already concluded compensation agreements worth almost $255 million with Boeing and General Electric. These agreements are part of the Kruk program and aim to maximize the economic and technological benefits of the procurement for Poland. They include, among other things, investments in local production capacity and technology transfers.
These investments have the potential to not only improve Poland's military capabilities but also strengthen economic cooperation between Poland and the United States. The compensation agreements are designed to ensure that Poland benefits from the technological advances and economic advantages of the partnership in the long term.
The purchase of the 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters is a crucial step for Poland to expand its defence capabilities and bring its air force up to date with the latest technology. The comprehensive agreement includes not only the supply of the helicopters, but also an extensive logistics and training package, as well as compensation arrangements designed to maximise the long-term benefits for Poland.
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