Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak unveiled the news that Poland will purchase 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters for the Polish Army.
Speaking at the 30th International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) held this year in the Polish city of Kielce, the Polish Defense Minister announced that the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian was selected as the winner of the KRUK competition, organized to provide the Polish Army with a new modern attack helicopter.
Kolejne dobre wieści! Wystosowaliśmy zapytanie ofertowe do USA dotyczące pozyskania 96 śmigłowców AH-64E APACHE w najnowszej wersji GUARDIAN na potrzeby Lotnictwa Wojsk Lądowych. Wraz ze śmigłowcami pozyskamy również transfer technologii. pic.twitter.com/VdZUybVRCc
— Mariusz Błaszczak (@mblaszczak) September 8, 2022
As reported by the minister in his Twitter account, Poland is going to purchase 96 attack helicopters, and the transfer of technology needed to perform many of the repair and maintenance activities in the country.
In turn, Boeing issued a press release:
«Boeing is honored that the Government of Poland has selected the AH-64E Apache for the Polish Armed Forces’ new attack helicopter fleet. The selection of the Apache strengthens U.S.-Polish military ties by enhancing interoperability and cooperation between Poland, the U.S. Army and NATO nations. During the acquisition process, Boeing established important cooperative partnerships between the Polish government and industry. Our partnership with the Polish Armament Group will continue to expand as we implement training and sustainment efforts with local industry.»
See also: Why did the FA-50 win in Poland? F-15EX and KF-21 on the horizon.
The procurement model for the Apache is likely to follow in the wake of recent contracts signed between Poland and South Korea, in which technology transfer and the installation of the necessary industrial capacity to perform licensed manufacturing and most repair and maintenance work locally are key elements in the long-term strategy for the modernization and expansion of the Polish defense industry.
