Poland has become the latest country that will acquire US-origin AH-64E Apache helicopters by placing a massive order for 96 attack choppers. However, the US has yet to complete the delivery of Apaches purchased by India for its Army Aviation Corps about four years ago. 

On August 13, the Polish Ministry of National Defense and the US government inked a deal to supply the Polish military with 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, along with associated equipment and armaments. 

Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, attended the signing ceremony. “Today we are making a milestone with regards to equipping the Polish Armed Forces with the most modern AH-64E Apache attack helicopters,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said during the event, according to a statement released by the Polish ministry.

With this deal, Poland became the 19th country in the world to purchase the Apache and the largest operator of helicopters outside of the United States. The contract is worth approximately $10 billion and represents Polish commitment to bolster its combat preparedness in the wake of persistent security threats triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

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The agreement will allow the Polish military to replace its antiquated Mil Mi-2 and Mi-24 helicopters, which were created by the Soviet Union, with new aircraft. In fact, the deal represents Poland’s largest-ever purchase of aircraft manufactured in the West.

According to the plan, the choppers will be deployed to the Inowrocław-based 1st Aviation Brigade. The brigade is assigned to provide air support to the Polish land troops and is situated in the western part of the nation. 

Poland hopes to acquire a variety of armament systems in addition to 96 helicopters and associated equipment and services, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. These munitions include 508 Stinger 92K Block I missiles, 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, and 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles.

The deal comes almost a year after the US State Department approved the foreign military sale to Poland on Aug. 21, 2023. 

“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,” Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift was quoted as saying by Boeing in an official press release.

The purchase represents a major generational change in Polish Army aviation, with the introduction of helicopters that are regarded as the best in their class. Thanks to their onboard sensors, the Apache attack helicopter would be able to carry out weapons-based combat operations as well as reconnaissance missions.

While Poland is jubilating after the signing of this groundbreaking agreement, a key Apache customer, the Indian Army, is still awaiting the delivery of the helicopters since 2020.

India Awaits Apache Delivery

Boeing describes the AH-64E Apache helicopter as “an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter. It is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement, including greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability, and cognitive decision aiding.”

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India decided to purchase the attack helicopter based on these cutting-edge capabilities. However, the latest reports in Indian media have revealed that the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters purchased by India for the Army Aviation Corps is yet to be delivered.

The Indian Army purchased six Apache helicopters as part of a $600 million agreement struck with the United States in 2020. The choppers are being manufactured by Boeing at its Mesa plant in Arizona. However, the delivery of the chopper is already running three months behind schedule.

As per the initial plan, six helicopters were supposed to arrive in batches of three. The first shipment was anticipated in May or June 2024. However, with unforeseen and inexplicable delays, the Indian Army’s first Apache Squadron is waiting for the helicopters to arrive in India. The Aviation Corps of the Indian Army established its inaugural Apache Squadron at Nagtalao, Jodhpur, in March this year.

The helicopters have been purchased by India to support the Army’s vital operations on the Western front amid perpetual hostilities with Pakistan.  These cutting-edge helicopters are renowned for their speed, potency, and sophisticated targeting mechanisms.

The purchase of Apache by the Indian Army was also influenced by the Indian Air Force’s experience with the Apache attack helicopter. The IAF has already received 22 Apache helicopters as part of a different deal inked in 2015, whereas the Army Aviation still awaits delivery amid a precarious security situation.

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