Image source: topwar.ru
Poland said it plans to buy up to 96 attack helicopter Boeing AH-64E Apache, which will replace its aging fleet of about 30 combat helicopters Mi-24. Later, this figure will increase by a few cars. It will also make Poland's second-largest owner of AH-64 Apache in the world after the United States army.
This news reflects the broader growth of the Polish military spending by billions of dollars. Just this year, the Polish authorities announced the purchase of 48 light combat aircraft FA-50 of 180 tanks and K2 from South Korea, and 250 tanks M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams from the United States. This follows other major procurement programs in recent years, including an order for 32 of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of national defence of Poland Mariusz Blashak first made the announcement about the transaction Apache.
At the moment the Polish army aviation continues to use your Mi-24D/V, some of which last participated in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. These helicopters have been modernized, including received compatibility with night vision goggles and improved navigation equipment to keep them alive until then, until a replacement.
The V6 variant AH-64E is one of the most modern configurations of Apache. The U.S. army is in the process of bringing its fleet to AH-64E in accordance with this standard, which includes many improvements and new features in addition to the improved ability of joint work with unmanned aerial vehicles. In comparison with earlier AH-64E, types, V6 have an extended set of sensors and communications systems and data transmission channels, which improve their ability to detect and engage targets, especially during operations over water.
It is unclear whether any of the additional 64 Apache, which currently want to buy, the government of Poland to be intended to replace other types of helicopters. What is the total cost greatly advanced ordering is also unknown. It is expected that the recent plan Australia buy 29 helicopters AH-64E will cost about $ 3.8 billion that can bring Polish a deal to 12.5 billion dollars, depending on the details of the full package.
