Poland leases AH-64D Apache helicopters for $300 million
Poland has signed a lease agreement for eight Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopters at the 56th Air Base in Inowrocław. This is a temporary solution until the country starts receiving the ordered AH-64E Apache from 2028.
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The deal is worth approximately $300 million and includes training and logistical support from the United States. The leased helicopters, which will be delivered from the US Army, are expected to arrive in Poland between June and September this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosińiak-Kamysz noted that the agreement will allow Poland to accelerate crew training by two years, and US-trained pilots will be able to continue training at home.
An AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. Illustration: Boeing
In addition, Poland has signed a large-scale deal to purchase 96 AH-64E Apaches worth about $10 billion. The first 15 aircraft are due to arrive in 2028, with Inowrocław as their initial base. The contract includes maintenance, weapons, spare parts and offset arrangements. Polish aerospace companies in Łódź and Dęblin will be able to repair Apache helicopters and their engines, which are also used in the Leonardo and Black Hawk models.
In addition, the Military University of Technology will provide training for students, technicians and engineers in composite materials maintenance and engine repair. The government aims to ensure that at least 50% of defence spending remains in domestic industry.
After the delivery of all 96 AH-64E Apaches, Poland will become the largest export operator of these helicopters. It will join the UK, the Netherlands and Greece in operating Apaches in Europe, along with US military units stationed on the continent.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
