Poland Strengthens Defence with Major Helicopter Deals

Poland's defence ministry signed major offset deals with Boeing and General Electric, taking a significant step towards finalizing a $12 billion agreement for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters. These deals will enhance the Polish Army's readiness and security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Poland's defence ministry recently inked offset agreements with Boeing and General Electric totaling nearly 1 billion zlotys ($255 million). This marks a crucial step towards finalizing a substantial $12 billion deal to acquire 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters.

'The Polish Army is about to acquire these helicopters, which will really strengthen our readiness, our security in the face of what is happening beyond the borders of the Republic of Poland, I mean the war in Ukraine,' remarked Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Bejda. The $102 million agreement with Boeing will cover maintenance support and training for the AH-64E helicopters.

Meanwhile, the agreement with General Electric, worth $135 million, will address engine support for the Apaches and other Polish military helicopters. These agreements are part of Poland's comprehensive offset strategy tied to the Apache purchase, initiated in September 2022. The deals follow the U.S. approval in August 2023 for the sale, which also included earlier offset agreements with Lockheed Martin on radars and missile guidance systems.

(With inputs from agencies.)