Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak announced on 8 September that Poland has selected Boeing’s AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter for its new attack helicopter fleet.
The Government of Poland plans to acquire a total of 96 AH-64E Apaches to replace its Soviet-era Mi-24s under the KRUK attack helicopter acquisition programme.
The purchase would see Poland operate the largest fleet of Apaches after the U.S.
The AH-64E is the most advanced variant of the Apache helicopter and is currently in service with ten nations around the world.
In a statement following the announcement Boeing said:
“Boeing is honored the Government of Poland has selected the AH-64E Apache for the Polish Armed Forces’ new attack helicopter fleet. An Apache selection strengthens U.S-Polish military ties by enhancing interoperability and cooperation between Poland, the U.S. Army and NATO nations.”
“During the procurement process, Boeing established significant cooperative partnerships across Polish government and industry. Our partnership with the Polish Armaments Group in particular will continue to expand as we implement training and sustainment efforts with local industry.”
AH-64E Apache Guardian
| Type: | Attack helicopter |
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Manufacturer: | Boeing Defense |
| In service: | 2011 – present |
| Operators: | United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait |
| Weight: | 5.17 tonnes |
| Length: | 17.7 m |
| Rotor diameter: | 14.63 m |
| Height: | 5 m |
| Crew: | 2 |
| Armament: | 1 x 30 mm cannon; Hydra 70 mm, CRV7 70 mm, and APKWS 70 mm air-to-ground rockets; AGM-114 Hellfire variants and AGM-65 Maverick; Air-to-Air Stinger |
| Systems: | Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar; Infra-red suppressing exhaust system |
| Engine: | 2 x General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshafts |
| Range: | 470+ km |
| Maximum speed: | 164 kn (303 km/h) |
