The Polish government has signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with Boeing for 96 AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, marking a significant milestone in Poland’s KRUK Attack Helicopter program. This deal, initially approved by the U.S. State Department in August 2023 for an estimated $12 billion, represents the largest Foreign Military Sale in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division.
Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Poland
The comprehensive package announced last year includes not just the helicopters themselves, but a vast array of supporting equipment and weaponry. Specifically, the deal encompasses:
- 96 AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
- 210 T700-GE 701D engines
- 97 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensors (M-TADS/PNVS)
- 37 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars
- 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire Missiles
- 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM)
- 508 Stinger 92K Block I Missiles
- 7,650 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS-II) Guidance Sections
This acquisition will make Poland the 19th nation to operate the Apache and the largest operator outside of the United States. The deal significantly bolsters Poland’s military capabilities and enhances its interoperability with NATO allies.
In conjunction with the helicopter purchase, Boeing and GE Aerospace have secured substantial offset agreements with the Polish Ministry of National Defence. Boeing’s $102 million deal focuses on Apache maintenance support and personnel training, ensuring Poland’s capacity to sustain its new fleet. GE Aerospace has committed $135 million to establish a comprehensive engine MRO capability within Poland. By partnering with WZL-1 and the Military University of Technology, GE is building a robust infrastructure for servicing T700/CT7 engines, crucial for both the Apache and other Polish aircraft. The offset arrangements significantly enhances Poland’s self-sufficiency in engine maintenance and creates high-skilled jobs in the sector.
Vince Logsdon, vice president of International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, emphasized the trust placed in Boeing by the Polish government and the strategic importance of the deal. “The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland’s operational capability and interoperability with the U.S., NATO and allied nations,” Logsdon stated.
The AH-64E, the most modern configuration of the Apache, has been in production by Boeing for over 40 years at its facility in Mesa, Arizona. Known for its battle-tested design and advanced technologies, the Apache offers an unmatched combination of performance and versatility in attack helicopters.
This deal comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Eastern Europe, with Poland seeking to modernize its military in response to regional tensions. The acquisition of these advanced attack helicopters significantly enhances Poland’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
While the exact financial terms of the final agreement have not been disclosed, the initial State Department approval estimated the cost at $12 billion. This figure includes not only the helicopters and weaponry but also comprehensive training, support equipment, and logistical services.
As Boeing prepares to deliver these helicopters, with the first units expected to arrive in 2029, this deal secures a long-term partnership between the aerospace giant and the Polish military. It also reinforces Boeing’s position as a leading provider of military attack helicopters in the global defense market.
The successful conclusion of this deal marks a major step in Poland’s military modernization efforts and represents a significant expansion of the Apache’s footprint in Europe. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the impact of this acquisition on regional security and NATO capabilities will be closely watched by military analysts and policymakers alike.
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