Poland has signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, as part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter programme.
The USD 10 billion deal also includes a logistics and training package as well as ammunition and spare parts.
“We are honored the Government of Poland has placed their confidence in us,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president, International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland’s operational capability and interoperability with the U.S., NATO and allied nations. We look forward to delivering this unmatched capability.”
The LOA was issued one week following the announcement by the Polish Ministry of National Defence regarding an offset agreement with Boeing. This agreement encompasses the maintenance and support of the Polish Armed Forces’ Apache helicopter fleet by the domestic defence industry, as well as the establishment of training programs and the development of a composite laboratory.
The offset initiatives are designed to improve the sustainment capabilities of the Polish defence sector, foster the creation of highly skilled employment opportunities, and promote technological progress, ultimately resulting in considerable economic advantages.
“Poland’s commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside of the United States,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift.
The US State Department gave the green light for Poland to buy 96 AH-64E Apache last August.
The AH-64E Apache is the latest and most advanced variant of the iconic helicopter that has been in service since the 1980s. The Apache is designed to perform close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank warfare missions. It is armed with a 30 mm chain gun and can carry a variety of weapons, including Hellfire and Spike missiles, and Hydra rockets. The AH-64E features improved avionics, sensors, and communications systems, as well as increased survivability and manoeuvrability.
AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter
| Type: | Attack helicopter |
| Country of origin: | United States |
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| In service: | 2012 – present |
| Users: | United States Army, British Army, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Indian Air Force, Indonesian Army, Qatar Emiri Air Force, Royal Saudi Land Forces, Republic of Korea Army, Republic of China Army, United Arab Emirates Air Force |
| Crew: | 2 (pilot and co-pilot/gunner) |
| Length: | 14.68 m |
| Height: | 4.72 m |
| Rotor diameter: | 14.63 m |
| Powerplant: | 2 × General Electric T700-GE-701 turboshaft engines |
| Maximum speed: | 150+ knots (279+ kph, 173+ mph) |
| Operational range: | 260+ nmi (300+ mi, 480+ km) |
| Onboard systems: | Lockheed Martin/Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar |
| Armament: | 1× 30 mm M230 Chain Gun; Hydra 70 70 mm, CRV7 70 mm, and APKWS 70 mm air-to-ground rockets; AGM-114 Hellfire variants; air-to-air Stinger (ATAS); AGM-65 Maverick; Spike air-to-ground missiles |
