Speaking to public broadcaster Polskie Radio, Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the integration of Apaches with F-35 fighters and Abrams tanks will fundamentally alter the operational capabilities of the Polish armed forces.
"These 96 Apaches are a revolution," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated. "When combined with the F-35s and Abrams tanks, they form a completely new system of interconnected operations across different branches of the armed forces—reconnaissance, attack, and more. Everything is changing fundamentally."
The Apaches will be deployed to the 1st Brigade of the Land Forces, replacing the aging fleet of Soviet-era Mi-24 attack helicopters. The deal for the 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters, part of the Guardian series, was signed last week by Kosiniak-Kamysz. This purchase, first announced in 2022 by the then-Minister of Defense Mariusz Błaszczak, is Poland's latest step in modernizing its military forces.
The contract also includes offset agreements with Boeing and General Electric, which will allow for the servicing and overhaul of some helicopter components within Poland.
The AH-64E Apache, developed by Boeing, has been the mainstay attack helicopter of the U.S. Army since the 1980s and has undergone continuous upgrades. Its primary role is to support ground troops, such as armored units, by destroying enemy targets with a variety of weapons, including the M230 automatic cannon and Hellfire missiles.
Poland expects the first of its 32 ordered F-35 fighters to be delivered by the end of August, while the first Apaches are scheduled for delivery in 2028.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio, PAP, IAR
