Poland has moved closer to finalizing its $12 billion deal for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters by signing offset agreements with Boeing and General Electric worth nearly $255 million. The deals are designed to bolster the Polish defense industry and enhance the country’s military capabilities.
The offset agreement with Boeing encompasses maintenance support for the Apache helicopters and training for maintenance personnel. This deal, valued at approximately $102 million, will ensure that Poland has the necessary expertise to sustain its new aircraft fleet.
Meanwhile, GE Aerospace has finalized an offset agreement worth $135 million to establish a comprehensive engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capability within Poland. By partnering with Military Aviation Works (WZL-1) in Dęblin and the Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, GE is creating a robust infrastructure for servicing T700/CT7 engines that power the Apache helicopters and other aircraft in the Polish Armed Forces.
WZL-1, a key player in this partnership, will take on a central role in engine maintenance. The company will establish a dedicated facility to provide licensed MRO services for T700/CT7 engines, including overhaul, repair, and component replacement. This will significantly enhance Poland’s self-sufficiency in engine maintenance and reduce reliance on foreign support. Additionally, WZL-1 will play a crucial role in training Polish technicians to support engine maintenance operations.
Poland initially announced its plans to acquire the Apache helicopters in September 2022. The U.S. government approved the sale in August 2023, and the country has been steadily progressing towards finalizing the deal. This latest development, with the signing of offset agreements, signifies a major step forward in the procurement process.
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