Boeing has confirmed it will produce 96 AH-64E Apaches for the Polish Armed Forces, with deliveries set to begin in 2028.
The sale, approved by the U.S. State Department two years ago, represents the largest order for Apache aircraft outside of the U.S.
NATO member Poland borders Ukraine and Russian ally Belarus, and has been making heavy investments in its military since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“This important agreement allows us to begin building one of the largest and most formidable Apache fleets that the world has ever seen,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing’s Attack Helicopter Programs. “Working closely with the Polish Armed Forces, we’re focused on disciplined execution to help enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and keep up with the strong demand for the most advanced attack helicopter.”
The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) currently leases eight Apaches from the U.S. Army, and has begun training pilots and maintenance technicians on the aircraft.
An offset agreement announced last year between Boeing and the Polish MND will see local industry playing “a key role” in performing maintenance and support of the Apache fleet, Boeing said. The manufacturer will also establish training programs and help develop a composite laboratory in the country.
Boeing said the agreement for the 96 aircraft is valued at $4.7 billion. It is part of a larger approval granted by the U.S. State Department that also includes “related equipment,” including 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire Missiles, 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, 508 Stinger 92K Block I Missiles, and 7,650 WGU-59/B Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS-II) Guidance Sections. Mission equipment, spares, training, and support is also included.
Poland’s 18th Mechanized Division is believed to have the highest priority in terms of fielding the Apaches. The 18th Mechanized Division is based in Siedlce, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) east of Warsaw, towards the border with Belarus.
Boeing recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Apache’s first flight at its production facility in Mesa, Arizona. Poland is the 19th global operator, following recent deliveries to customers including the Australian Army, Indian Army and Royal Moroccan Air Force.
