Poland Receives First Apache Helicopters under U.S. Lease Deal

Poland has officially received its first AH-64D Apache attack helicopters from the United States under a leasing agreement.

At a formal ceremony in Inowrocław, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the delivery of the helicopters to the Polish Armed Forces. The AH-64Ds will be used primarily for training purposes ahead of the full delivery of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians ordered from the U.S. in August 2024.

“We are implementing the modernization and transformation of the Polish Army at a rapid pace,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “This is one of the fastest implemented contracts in the history of our Armed Forces.”

Poland’s decision to procure 96 Apache helicopters came amid rising security concerns on its eastern border. The $10 billion agreement with the U.S. includes a logistics and training package and was signed just ahead of Polish Armed Forces Day in 2024. Under a separate lease, the AH-64D helicopters are intended to allow the Polish military to accelerate its pilot and crew training before the arrival of the AH-64E units.

The first batch of helicopters has been assigned to the 1st Brigade of the Land Forces Aviation. Polish personnel—many of whom have completed training in the United States—will begin operational preparations with the new aircraft.

“Poland is a frontline country. This threat is serious, and we have to react quickly,” the defense minister noted. “Today, we are presenting a version for training, but in its final E-version, these helicopters will be equipped with the latest detection, imaging, and information transfer systems.”

The AH-64E version, which Poland is scheduled to begin receiving in 2028, will feature integrated systems capable of engaging both air and ground targets. It will also share battlefield data with other platforms such as Abrams tanks and F-35 fighter jets.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the program goes beyond helicopter delivery. It includes offset agreements to strengthen Polish defense industry capabilities, including maintenance and modernization work for the Apache fleet.

“This is a large investment combined with offset, strengthening our military plants that will service, modernize, and maintain these helicopters,” he said.

In addition to military cooperation, Poland is seeking to expand defense collaboration with the U.S. and support reconstruction efforts in Ukraine. In October 2024, the U.S. approved a $3.08 billion loan under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program to help fund the purchase.

Poland is expected to become the second-largest Apache operator in the world after the United States once all 96 AH-64Es are delivered by 2032.

In January 2025, Poland signed a deal with General Electric for 210 T700-701D helicopter engines and reached agreements to develop domestic capacity to support the Apache fleet, including training of support personnel and infrastructure assessment.