Poland Formally Agrees Massive Purchase Of Apache Helicopters

Poland's fleet of Apache helicopters will become the biggest outside the United States after its government signed off on a purchase of 96 AH-64Es.

A representative from its Ministry of Defence formally signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to buy almost 100 of the Boeing attack helicopters. In doing so it becomes the 19th nation to acquire the Apache; there are currently more than 1,290 Apaches operating worldwide.

The deal was signed at a ceremony at Inowroclaw Air Base on Tuesday.

“We are honored the Government of Poland has placed their confidence in us,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president, International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland’s operational capability and interoperability with the U.S., NATO and allied nations.”

The acquisition forms part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter programme and comes a week after the Polish Ministry of National Defence announced an offset agreement with Boeing for maintenance and support of the fleet, along with the establishment of training programs.

“Poland’s commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside of the United States,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift.

Read more on this story on the Boeing website