US State Department approves export of Apache attack helicopters to Poland

The first newbuild AH-64 delivery to Poland is scheduled for 2027. (Boeing)

On 21 August the US State Department announced its approval of Poland's USD12 billion purchase of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

If Poland follows through with the full purchase – the approval does not necessarily commit the country to do so – it would become the largest operator of AH-64s outside the US. The helicopters are to be purchased via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process.

Poland submitted the request to purchase the AH-64s – along with associated electronic equipment – in September 2022. Weapons approved in the sale include quantities of AGM-114 Hellfire, AGM-179 Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM), and Stinger 92K missiles, as well as WGU-59 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) guidance sections for Zuni rockets.

The first Apache is set to arrive in Poland in 2027, Boeing told Janes.

The country has already taken measures to prepare for the Apache's introduction. In May the Polish government purchased 800 Lockheed Martin-built AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and announced the lease of eight AH-64s from US Army stocks.

“Today the AH-64 Apache acquisition for Poland's KRUK Attack Helicopter programme entered the congressional notification phase,” Boeing said in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with the US and Polish governments to meet Poland's defence requirements and security commitments.”