Poland to Sign Landmark Deal for 96 US AH-64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopters.

According to information published on July 24, 2024, by the Polish defense magazine "Defence24," Poland is set to sign a series of offset agreements in the coming weeks for the procurement of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces. An executive agreement for their delivery will follow these deals.
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An U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopter provides notional security for the Connelly competition. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Deputy Head of the Polish Armament Agency, Col. Robert Frommholz, revealed the plan on Polsat News. Within about two weeks, Poland plans to finalize offset agreements for acquiring the Apache Guardian helicopters. These agreements will precede the execution contract for the helicopter delivery. The Polish Ministry of Defence and their American partners anticipate that these agreements will enable the establishment of maintenance capabilities for the Apache helicopters in Poland, as well as for the entire family of engines used in other new-generation platforms being introduced into the Polish Armed Forces.

The contract for the Apache Guardian helicopters will be the largest in the history of the Polish Armed Forces and one of the largest attack helicopter procurement deals ever signed globally. The Department of State’s notification to Congress outlined that the maximum package would include:

- 37 AN/APG-78 Longbow radars
- 96 AN/APR-48B MRFI 2 interferometers
- 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire anti-tank missiles
- 460 AGM-179A JAGM anti-tank missiles
- 508 FIM-92K Stinger air-to-air missiles
- Several thousand light APKWS guided rockets

Poland has also been approved to acquire a comprehensive range of logistic and training support packages for the new helicopters, self-defense systems, and MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) capabilities. The maximum value of the contract for the Boeing-manufactured helicopters is estimated at USD 12 billion, though the final amount is expected to be somewhat lower. Part of the contract may be financed through American loans under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program.

The introduction of 96 Apache Guardian helicopters will significantly enhance the capabilities of Poland's Army Aviation, though it will also pose major training and logistical challenges. The defined offset program aims to assist Poland in maintaining the readiness of the Apache fleet. Training for Polish pilots and ground crews on the Apache has already commenced and is expected to continue with support from the US Army for an extended period. Once the deal is finalized, Poland will become the largest user of these helicopters within NATO.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is an advanced variant of the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, developed by Boeing. It boasts enhanced performance with improved T700-GE-701D engines that provide greater speed, endurance, and agility compared to its predecessors. The AH-64E features advanced sensors and avionics, including the latest target acquisition and designation sights, pilot night vision sensors, and sophisticated radar systems like the Longbow fire control radar, which can track multiple targets simultaneously.

The helicopter's lethality is increased with its ability to carry a variety of armaments such as Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rocket pods, and a 30mm M230 chain gun. An improved weapons management system ensures greater precision and efficiency in combat. Additionally, the AH-64E is designed for modern network-centric warfare environments, with enhanced communications and data-sharing capabilities that allow it to connect seamlessly with other aircraft, ground forces, and command centers for coordinated operations.

One of the significant improvements in the AH-64E is the reduction in crew workload due to the avionics and sensor upgrades, which facilitate more efficient management of the helicopter’s systems, thereby allowing the pilot and co-pilot/gunner to focus more on their primary tasks during missions.