In readiness for the arrival of its 96-ordered Boeing AH-64E Guardians, expected to be delivered from 2028 onwards, Poland has inked an agreement with the United States to lease eight Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters.
Boeing announced the leasing agreement on February 28, saying the US Army would supply the eight AH-64D helicopters used for training ground crews and pilots of the Polish Army Aviation (Lotnictwo Wojsk Lądowych). The leased helicopters will guarantee that soldiers get operational knowledge of the Apache platform, thereby bridging the capability gap until Poland gets its AH-64E fleet.
Declared in 2023, Poland's military upgrading initiative includes the acquisition of 96 AH-64E Guardians. Especially because of mounting regional security issues, the Apache helicopters will improve the Polish Army's assault aviation capacity. Though older than the E-models, the leased AH-64D variations will offer necessary training in operational tactics, avionics, and armament systems.
The lease arrangement fits Poland's strategic alliance with the US, which has grown recently through military purchases like HIMARS systems and Abrams tanks. Poland wants to enhance its Apache skills and include them in its armed forces before the AH-64E fleet is fully delivered.
