An AH-64E Apache assigned to the 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion returns to base after conducting a combined arms rehearsal at Rodriguez Live-Fire Complex, South Korea, on Aug. 9, 2024. Poland has signed a deal to purchase 96 of the helicopters. (David Poleski/U.S. Army)
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Poland has signed a contract to purchase 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from U.S. defense contractor Boeing as the nation continues to grow its forces in the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
The $12 billion sale, first approved by the U.S. State Department in August, was signed by Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz at the Polish 22nd Air Base in Inowroclaw, according to a U.S. Army statement Tuesday.
The purchase, which includes a logistics package, maintenance, parts and ordnance, is Poland’s latest procurement as it attempts to become “one of the most modern” and largest militaries in Europe by 2032, according to policy documents on the Polish Defense Ministry website.
“This kind of advanced capability is not shared with just anyone; it takes a special bond, a special relationship,” U.S. ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski said during the ceremony, the statement said. “It shows that we trust Poland. It shows Poland trusts us.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. Army’s V Corps held a two-day Polish Apache Initiative with members of the Polish military, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Weisskopf, an Apache pilot and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade standardization officer, said by phone Tuesday.
Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland's defense minister, signs an agreement to purchase 96 Apache attack helicopters during a ceremony in Inowroclaw, Poland, on Aug. 13, 2024. (X)
The event focused on combat tactics, maintenance and integrating the platform into the Polish military.
“Obviously, there’s some stability issues in the eastern flank of NATO with Ukraine, Belarus, Russia,” Weisskopf said.
The helicopters represent “a massive deterrent when you start talking about any sort of land-based incursion,” he added. “Having that many Apaches with Hellfire (missiles) is a difficult problem set to solve for a foreign adversary.”
The agreement follows a pair of $2 billion loans for defense equipment by the U.S. in March and July and approval for over $36 billion in foreign military sales in fiscal year 2023, the State Department website said.
Poland on Friday announced the signing of another $850 million contract for AIM-120C medium-range air-to-air guided missiles, which was followed by a contract Monday for 48 Patriot missile launchers. They also stand to receive M1A2 Abrams tanks later this year, Agence France-Presse reported Tuesday, as well as additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.
Poland, a NATO ally, has announced plans to spend more than 4% of its gross domestic product on defense, more than double NATO guidelines. The nation shares a border to the east with Ukraine and also Belarus, which is allied with Russia.
The Apache is considered one of the preeminent helicopters of its kind in the world, capable of reconnaissance, security and attack operations, Weisskopf said. It is armed with tank-killing Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30 mm chain gun.
