INOWROCŁAW, Poland — In a significant leap forward for its defense capabilities, Poland has officially signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 96 AH-64E Apache combat helicopters. This monumental deal marks Poland as the largest operator of Apaches outside the United States and the 19th nation to incorporate these advanced helicopters into its military arsenal.
The agreement, part of Poland’s KRUK Attack Helicopter program, underscores the country’s commitment to bolstering its military strength and enhancing its interoperability with U.S., NATO, and allied forces. “We are honored by Poland’s confidence in our capabilities,” said Vince Logsdon, Vice President of International Business Development at Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “These helicopters will significantly enhance Poland’s operational capacity and alliance cohesion.”
This LOA follows closely on the heels of an offset agreement between Poland’s Ministry of National Defence and Boeing, aimed at boosting the local defense industry. The agreement includes provisions for the maintenance and support of the Apache fleet by Polish defense firms, the creation of specialized training programs, and the development of a composite laboratory, which is expected to bring advanced technological benefits and create highly skilled jobs within Poland.
Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President and General Manager of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division, highlighted the historic nature of this deal, noting that it represents the largest FMS order ever received by the division. “Poland’s acquisition of 96 Apaches is a landmark in our global operations and will significantly reinforce our long-standing partnership.”
With over 1,290 Apaches currently in service worldwide, the AH-64E model stands out as the most advanced iteration, combining decades of battle-tested design with cutting-edge technology. The Polish government’s decision, originally made in September 2022, solidifies the AH-64E Apache as a cornerstone of its new attack helicopter fleet, positioning Poland at the forefront of modern military aviation.