Poland has entered a $10 billion agreement with Boeing to acquire 96 Apache attack helicopters, significantly enhancing its military strength. This deal represents a critical step in Poland’s efforts to modernize its armed forces, a process that has accelerated since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the purchase as a milestone in the transformation and equipping of the Polish military, with the Apaches slated to be based at the Inowroclaw air base.
This Apache deal is part of a broader series of defense contracts Poland has recently signed with the United States. Just before this agreement, Poland committed to buying AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and U.S.-designed Patriot air defense system launchers. These moves reflect Poland’s increased defense spending, which is set to exceed 4% of its GDP this year, far surpassing NATO’s 2% target.
Poland Boosts Military Power with $10 Billion Apache Helicopter Deal
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has deepened the defense relationship between Poland and the United States, with Poland viewing Washington as a key ally. The Apache helicopter sale, approved by U.S. authorities last year, builds on previous Polish purchases, such as Abrams tanks. The Apaches are intended to work in tandem with these tanks, enhancing the overall capability of Poland’s military operations.
In addition to the helicopters, the $10 billion package includes extensive support, such as maintenance equipment, training, flight simulators, and spare parts. Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Bejda emphasized the comprehensive nature of the deal, labeling it a historic moment for Poland’s helicopter aviation and underscoring the investment as vital to national security and deterrence.
The first Apache helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2028, though training for Polish pilots has already commenced. These advanced helicopters will replace the outdated Russian Mi-24s, marking a significant upgrade in Poland’s military capabilities and reinforcing its defense posture in the face of potential threats.
