Poland will buy American Apache attack helicopters. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak announced on social media that a request in the regard of 96 helicopters in the latest Guardian version for ground troops has been sent to the US government.

“More good news! We have issued a request to the USA regarding the acquisition of 96 AH-64E APACHE helicopters in the latest GUARDIAN version for Land Forces Aviation. Along with the helicopters, we will also acquire technology transfer”, wrote Mariusz Błaszczak on Twitter.

The defence ministry chief discussed the future contract on Thursday at the US Ramstein base in Germany with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. A conference was held in Germany on Ukrainian affairs and the support that NATO allied countries can provide to Ukraine.

The AH-64E Apache is the primary attack helicopter used by the US Army. The first was developed in 1983, and they have been continuously developed ever since. In addition to the US, Apache helicopters are used by the UK, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

The AH-64E Guardian version entered service in 2011. Compared to older models, it has enhanced engines and is also equipped with the JTIDS system that manages information exchange on the battlefield. The Guardian also has improved communications capabilities – including the ability to control unmanned drones.

The planned purchase was commented on Twitter by US Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski.

“Poland’s decision to purchase 96 Apache attack helicopters will make it the second largest operator of them in the world, after the US. This modernisation, along with the acquisition of Abrams tanks and other advanced systems, will strengthen Poland’s interoperability and military readiness”, wrote the diplomat.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński