LONDON—The U.S. State Department has given the green light for the largest potential export contract for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, for Poland.
Warsaw’s request, detailed by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Aug. 21 calls for 96 AH-64Es and a weapons package that includes more than 1,844 Hellfire and 460 Lockheed Martin Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM). The entire deal is valued at $12 billion.
Poland made the Foreign Military Sale request for the rotorcraft almost a year ago, after selecting the Apache over Bell’s AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter.
Procurement officials say the Apache’s ability to be operated together with the Abrams main battle tank, also being acquired by Poland, helped swing the selection in favor of the Boeing-made rotorcraft.
Also included in the deal will be 37 mast-mounted Lockheed/Northrop Grumman Longbow Fire Control Radar sets, suggesting Poland will operate its Apaches in a similar way to the U.S. Army, with a single aircraft on a flight detecting targets and sharing that information with non-Longbow-equipped aircraft.
Poland’s aircraft also will be equipped with air-to-air versions of the Raytheon Stinger missile and more than 7,600 BAE Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits for 70mm rockets.
The DSCA says implementation of the deal will improve the security of a NATO ally, describing Poland as a “force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” and that the Apache fleet would provide a “credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations.”
Poland wants the Apaches to replace its Soviet-era Mil Mi-24/35 “Hind” attack helicopters, several of which have been transferred to Ukraine.
The proposed order is part of a wider defense modernization being undertaken by Poland following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Poland has several other types of helicopter on order to recapitalize its airmobile forces, including Leonardo AW149s. Warsaw also is negotiating for the acquisition of Leonardo AW101s and Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawks.
If Poland goes through with the full order, it will become the largest operator of the Apache outside the U.S. The UK is currently the largest AH-64E export customer with a planned fleet of 50.
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