Image source: topwar.ru
The Polish Ministry of National Defense announced that an intergovernmental agreement on the purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters will be signed on Tuesday, August 13.
The agreement with the U.S. government provides for the supply of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, as well as a logistics package including helicopter maintenance equipment, airport and hangar equipment, technical support, and a training package for pilots and technicians. In addition, ammunition and spare parts will be provided.
The helicopters will go to the 1st Aviation Brigade of the Ground Forces in Wroclaw, where the contract will be signed tomorrow.
The signing of the agreement with the US government was preceded by the conclusion of compensation agreements with Lockheed Martin (at the end of 2023) and General Electric and Boeing (in August 2023). Apache Guardian will replace the outdated Mi-24 helicopters that are in service with the army.
Image source: topwar.ru
A day earlier, the Polish Ministry of Defense signed a contract with Raytheon Polska for the supply of 48 M903 launchers for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. The contract also provides for the production and supply of 48 anti-aircraft and anti-missile launchers on Polish territory.
The signed agreement is subcontracted: the Polish company will manufacture launchers for the needs of the American concern, after which they will be integrated into the general system and delivered in the period from 2027 to 2029.
In addition, Poland acquired LTAMDS radars in September 2023, and the IBCS combat control system will be purchased in February 2024. IBCS will also be used in more than 20 batteries of the Narew system. The total value of the signed contracts exceeds 11 billion US dollars, of which more than 9 billion dollars are accounted for LTAMDS launchers, missiles and radars.
The Polish Defense Minister also announced the signing of another major contract, without disclosing details about the purchased equipment. Experts suggest that we may be talking about additional fighters.