Poland signs LOA for Apache Guardian attack helicopter
On 13 August 2024, Poland signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to acquire 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters. A week earlier, the Polish government announced an offset agreement with Boeing. This agreement includes the maintenance and support of the Apache Guardian fleet by the Polish defence industry, as well as the establishment of training programs and the development of a composite laboratory.
In May 2023, Scramble Magazine first reported on Poland's defense budget for the coming years, including its extensive wishlist and given timelines.
According to Kathleen Jolivette, Boeing Defense vice president and general manager of Vertical Lift, “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.”
The Government of Poland selected the AH-64E Apache for its new attack helicopter fleet in September 2022. Delivery of the helicopters is scheduled for 2025-2035. The Apache Guardian will replace and augment the ageing fleet of Mi-24/Mi-35 Hind helicopters, of which only a limited number are still reported active.
In May 2023, it was also mentioned that Poland had reached an agreement with the USA to receive eight interim AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters from the US Army to rapidly field the capability. So far, no sightings have been reported regarding this interim programme.
Credit photo: MoD Poland / Boeing Defense