Poland receives first US-made Apache helicopter under leasing deal

Poland has officially received its first AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the United States, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s aerial combat capabilities.

The development was confirmed by Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"I am very proud that our airbase in Inowrocław already has the first Apache. They will serve primarily for training," said the minister, highlighting the arrival of the helicopters as a milestone for the Polish Armed Forces.

According to Kosiniak-Kamysz, the aircraft is one of eight Apache helicopters leased from the United States. These helicopters are intended to fill an operational gap and accelerate the training process ahead of the delivery of a larger fleet.

The minister clarified that Poland has formally purchased 96 brand-new AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters — the most modern variant of the platform — with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2028.

"The first helicopters that are being produced now will be delivered to us in 2028. We didn't want to lose a day or a minute, so we decided to lease 8 machines of a slightly older version — D. They are slightly different from the E version that we are buying," Minister Kamysz stated.

The leased AH-64D Longbow Apaches, although an earlier iteration, remain formidable assets equipped with advanced targeting systems and battlefield integration capabilities. They will be primarily used to prepare Polish pilots and ground crews for the arrival of the E-model aircraft.

By Vafa Guliyeva