Image source: topwar.ru
In 2014, the Kruk ("Raven") program was launched in Poland, which provided for the replacement of Soviet Mi-24D/V attack helicopters. In December 2020, a tender was announced for the supply of 32 new machines, which aroused the interest of five leading manufacturers, including Leonardo, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopters and Boeing.
Against the background of the beginning of the special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the procurement process was accelerated, and the number of helicopters purchased was increased. In 2022, the Polish government made its choice in favor of the product of the American corporation Boeing – AH-64E Guardian, (Apache). Warsaw announced plans to purchase 96 cars of this type.
- the Minister of Defense of the country declared then.
However, European manufacturers hoped that they would be able to snatch this "tidbit" from Boeing, since no firm contract was signed. But Washington finally dispelled these illusions by deciding to transfer 8 AH-64E units from the US Army reserves to Poland (in excess of the 96 units expected for purchase). It is claimed that this will allow the training of Polish pilots and technicians to begin in the next few weeks.
- noted in the French edition of Air & Cosmos.
According to IISS, at the beginning of 2022, there were 28 Mi-24D/V in the Polish Armed Forces. As can be expected, after the decision to supply Apache, all of them will be transferred to the Kiev regime.
