Poland to Become Europe's Most Powerful in Attack Helicopters with US Apache AH-64.

Poland has advanced its military modernization efforts by securing a substantial £3 billion ($3.08 billion or 12.1 billion zlotys) Foreign Military Financing (FMF) loan from the United States. Announced by Poland’s Ministry of National Defence on October 1, 2024, this funding underscores the deepening defense partnership between Warsaw and Washington. The loan will primarily support the procurement of AH-64E Apache helicopters, significantly enhancing Poland's aerial combat capabilities.
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Poland will soon be equipped with a fleet of Boeing 96 AH-64E attack helicopters. (Picture source: US DoD)

This agreement marks the third FMF loan Poland has received in recent months, following a previous loan secured on July 1, 2024. Together, these arrangements bring the total U.S.-backed financial assistance for Poland's military to $7.08 billion. As the largest recipient of FMF loans in recent years, Poland is reinforcing its position as a leading NATO partner on the Eastern Flank amid regional tensions.

The contract for the AH-64E Apache helicopters was signed on August 13, 2024. The newly secured loan is expected to expedite the delivery and integration of these state-of-the-art attack helicopters into the Polish Armed Forces. Known for their advanced targeting systems and combat capabilities, the Apaches will align Poland's military capabilities more closely with those of other NATO allies.

American companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Electric are involved as offset providers in this program. They will transfer technologies to two aviation companies within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) domain. Execution contracts will be signed between these American companies and PGZ Capital Group entities, facilitating technology transfer and local industry participation.

The contract is the largest in the history of the Polish Armed Forces and one of the most significant global procurement deals for attack helicopters. According to the U.S. Department of State's notification to Congress, the comprehensive package includes an extensive array of advanced equipment and weaponry designed to bolster Poland's military capabilities. This includes 37 AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radars, essential for enhancing the targeting precision of the Apache helicopters, and 96 AN/APR-48B Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometers (MRFI), which improve the helicopters' electronic warfare and threat detection abilities.

In terms of armaments, the deal provides a substantial stockpile of munitions. Poland will acquire 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, renowned for their effectiveness against armored targets, and 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM), which offer advanced multi-mode guidance for engaging a variety of threats. To strengthen air-to-air combat capabilities, the package includes 508 FIM-92K Stinger air-to-air missiles, allowing the helicopters to defend against aerial threats. Additionally, the agreement encompasses several thousand APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) guided rockets, which convert standard unguided rockets into precision munitions for greater accuracy and reduced collateral damage.

Beyond weaponry, Poland has been approved to receive comprehensive logistic and training support packages, enhancing the operational readiness and sustainability of its new fleet. The inclusion of self-defense systems will improve the helicopters' survivability in hostile environments. Notably, the package also features Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, enabling seamless coordination between manned helicopters and unmanned aerial systems for advanced reconnaissance and combat operations.

The introduction of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters will significantly enhance the capabilities of Poland's Army Aviation but will also present training and logistical challenges. The offset program aims to assist Poland in maintaining the readiness of the Apache fleet. Training for Polish pilots and ground crews has already commenced, supported by the U.S. Army. Upon finalization, Poland will become the largest user of these helicopters within NATO.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian, developed by Boeing, is the most advanced variant of the Apache attack helicopter series. It features significant upgrades in avionics, sensors, engines, and weapons systems. Powered by enhanced T700-GE-701D engines, the helicopter offers greater speed, agility, and payload capacity. Its advanced avionics suite includes data networking technologies that enable real-time communication and coordination with other aircraft and ground units, enhancing situational awareness and mission effectiveness.

Equipped with the Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) and the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar, the AH-64E provides superior targeting accuracy and night vision capabilities in all weather conditions. Its versatile armament includes a 30mm M230 Chain Gun, up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, compatibility with the AGM-179A JAGM system, Hydra 70 unguided rockets, and AIM-92 Stinger missiles for air-to-air defense. This combination makes the AH-64E a highly effective platform for modern aerial warfare and reconnaissance missions.

To support the operation and maintenance of the new helicopters, the Military Aviation Works No. 1 S.A. in Łódź will establish a Support Center capable of conducting maintenance at Organizational (O), Intermediate (I), and Depot (D) levels for selected helicopter components. A Center for the Operation of T700/CT7 family engines will be established at the company's branch in Dęblin, providing maintenance for engines used in the AH-64E and other helicopters in the Polish Armed Forces.

Another PGZ Capital Group company, the Military Central Bureau of Construction and Technology S.A. (WCBKT S.A.) in Warsaw, will produce ground handling equipment for the aircraft. This equipment will be tested and certified by the manufacturer for compatibility with the AH-64E Apaches, enabling the use of locally produced equipment in operational processes.

Poland's acquisition aligns with similar moves by other U.S. allies to bolster their fleets of AH-64E Apaches. South Korea recently approved a $3.5 billion purchase of 36 additional units. The United Kingdom has received 41 of its planned 50 helicopters, and Australia is preparing to introduce 29 AH-64Es into service. These developments highlight a growing reliance on the AH-64E within NATO and allied forces.

Armed forces are increasingly interested in utilizing the AH-64E Apache to counter the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The helicopter's sophisticated sensors enhance its ability to detect, track, and engage small, fast-moving aerial targets like drones. Its agility and rapid response capabilities make it effective for intercepting UAVs that may pose threats to military assets or personnel, adding a critical layer to modern defense strategies.

According to reports from The Military Balance and other sources, territorial defense and NATO membership are central pillars of Poland's defense policy. The primary focus of the 2017–2032 defense concept is to prepare the armed forces to deter Russian aggression, which is characterized as a direct threat to Poland and to a stable international order—a view intensified by Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Protecting the border with Belarus has also become an important mission for the Polish armed forces. To bolster its capabilities, Warsaw has increased defense spending to support modernization projects.

The United States has significantly bolstered Poland's military capabilities through various arms sales and defense agreements in recent years. A cornerstone of this support is the acquisition of F-35A Lightning II stealth multirole combat aircraft. In January 2020, Poland signed a deal worth approximately $4.6 billion to purchase 32 F-35A fighters, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024. This acquisition aims to modernize Poland's air force by introducing fifth-generation aircraft with advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric capabilities, enhancing interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

In addition to air capabilities, Poland has invested in strengthening its ground forces by procuring M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. In April 2022, the U.S. approved the sale of 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks to Poland in a deal valued at up to $6 billion. These advanced tanks feature enhanced armor, upgraded communications systems, and improved firepower, significantly enhancing Poland's armored warfare capabilities. Delivery of these tanks is expected to begin in 2025.

Poland has also enhanced its air and missile defense systems through the purchase of the Patriot air and missile defense system. In 2018, Poland signed a $4.75 billion agreement for the Patriot system, which includes the latest configuration with advanced radar technology and command-and-control systems. This system is a critical component of Poland's efforts to defend against ballistic and cruise missile threats.

Furthermore, to augment its long-range precision fire capabilities, Poland acquired the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). In 2019, Poland signed a contract worth $414 million for 20 HIMARS launchers along with associated support and equipment. These systems enhance Poland's deterrence and defense posture on NATO's eastern flank by providing the capability to engage targets at extended ranges with high accuracy.

Military cooperation between Poland and the United States has intensified, with the Polish government pursuing the goal of permanently stationing U.S. troops in the country. The U.S. Army's V Corps Headquarters (Forward) was established in Poznań at the end of 2020. A new coalition government may review ambitious plans to boost military personnel numbers to 300,000 by 2035 and to establish new divisions. Poland is one of the main European contributors to efforts supporting Ukraine, delivering a variety of defense equipment, including armor and anti-armor systems. These actions underscore the deepening defense partnership between Warsaw and Washington as Poland reinforces its defense posture facing Russia.