Key takeaways:

• 96 helicopters ordered (largest foreign order ever)
• 4.7 billion dollars (TK 5,737 crore 23 lakh 36 thousand) contract value
• Deliveries start 2028
• Poland becomes 19th global operator
• 1,300+ Apaches worldwide
• 50 years since first Apache flight

Boeing will manufacture 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for Poland under a United States Army Foreign Military Sales contract worth nearly 4.7 billion dollars (TK 5,737 crore 23 lakh 36 thousand). Order represents the largest number of Apache aircraft requested outside America in the programme's entire history.

Polish Armed Forces will begin receiving helicopters in 2028. Ministry of National Defence is already training pilots and maintenance crews. Ministry currently leases eight AH-64E aircraft from US Army for operational familiarisation.

Christina Upah, Boeing's vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs, said the agreement allows building one of the largest and most formidable Apache fleets ever seen globally. She emphasised disciplined execution to enhance Poland's defence capabilities amid strong worldwide demand for advanced attack helicopters.

Boeing will establish an offset agreement announced last year involving Polish local industry in maintenance and support operations. Company will also set up training programmes and help develop a composite laboratory within Poland, boosting domestic aerospace capabilities.

Apache E-model represents the most advanced configuration with enhanced lethality, survivability, connectivity and interoperability. Boeing recently celebrated the helicopter's 50th anniversary at its Mesa production facility. Recent months saw deliveries to Australian Army, Indian Army and Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Poland becomes the 19th global operator of Apache helicopters. More than 1,300 Apaches currently serve worldwide, supported by Boeing Global Services.

Source: Defence Industry Europe.