Report and photo by Robin Polderman
On 27 February 2025, during a ceremony held at the Polish Army Aviation base of Inowrocław attended by the Polish Minister of Defense along with representatives from the US DoD and Boeing, a contract was signed for the transfer of eight used AH-64D helicopters to Poland.
The deal consists of a lease contract for the Apaches, as well as training of air- and ground crew, enabling the Polish Army to acquire the necessary capabilities before the delivery of the first 15 brand new AH-64E helicopters to Inowrocław during 2028.
On 13 August 2024, Poland ordered a total of 96 Boeing AH-64E helicopters along with a logistics-, armament-, and training package for a total cost of US$10 billion.
Deliveries of the AH-64E are planned to conclude in 2032, making Poland the second largest user of the Apache helicopter in the world, right after the United States.
On the basis of a training agreement concluded in 2023, the first Polish pilots and maintainers have already undergone a series of training courses in the United States and will constitute the core group of instructors.
The Apache will fully replace the Mi-24 Hind, of which only a small number (rumoured to be around a dozen) are still in service. During the 2022-2023 period, at least ten Polish Hinds found their way to Ukraine.