2024-08-13 16:56 update: 2024-08-13, 16:58
Photo PAP/Tytus Żmijewski
Poland's defence minister has signed a USD 10 billion contract for the delivery of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the US as well as a logistics and training package for the Polish Army.
The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the 56th Air Base, located in the central Polish city of Inowroclaw, which serves as the headquarters for the 1st Aviation Brigade. This brigade is designated to receive the first helicopters, intended to ultimately replace the obsolete, post-Soviet Mi-24 aircraft.
"This is a milestone in the transformation of the army - the most modern helicopters, in their most advanced version," said Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
According to him, the contract "represents a 'groundbreaking' advancement in the capabilities of the Polish Army, particularly regarding the collaboration between the Land Forces and the Air Force."
"Apache helicopters will be integrated into the arsenal of the Land Forces, with their primary role being to provide support to ground troops," Kosiniak-Kamysz added.
He also said that the cost of 96 helicopters was approximately USD 10 billion.
The purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in the Guardian version was announced in 2022 by Mariusz Blaszczak, the then defence minister. Last week, offset agreements were signed with Boeing and General Electric, providing for, among other things, service and renovation of some helicopter parts in Polish plants.
The AH-64E Apache is regarded as the world's most advanced and proven attack helicopter. It represents the backbone of the U.S. Army's attack helicopter fleet and a growing number of international defense forces. Their task is primarily to support the military on the ground - e.g. armored forces - by destroying enemy ground targets.
Poland's Armament Agency has announced that the initial deliveries of AH-64E Apache helicopters, ordered for the Polish Armed Forces, are scheduled for 2028. (PAP)
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