Poland ready to buy 96 Apache helicopters from Boeing

Polish government announced on Thursday that Boeing’s AH-64 Apache has been selected for its KRUK Attack Helicopter program.

Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak said on Twitter that Poland had sent Boeing an offical offer inquiry regarding the latest version of Apache - Guardian. "Along with the helicopters we will also obtain transfer of technology," Błaszczak wrote.

Later that day, Błaszczak also announced that first Apache helicopters would become part of the 18th Mechanised Division, where Abrams tanks Poland purchased this year are to be sent as well.

"Apaches brilliantly cooperate with these tanks, together they make up a huge defensive power - that's exactly what we're looking for," Błaszczak said on Thursday at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he took part in a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group.

"We're honored the Government of Poland has selected the AH-64E Apache for its new attack helicopter fleet. We look forward to partnering with the Polish Armed Forces and the Polish defense industry to deliver and sustain the #AH64" - Boeing Defense said in a tweet later on Thursday.

"Boeing is honored the Government of Poland has selected the AH-64E Apache for the Polish Armed Forces’ new attack helicopter fleet. An Apache selection strengthens U.S-Polish military ties by enhancing interoperability and cooperation between Poland, the U.S. Army and NATO nations," Boeing Defense said in a short statement at its website.

"During the procurement process, Boeing established significant cooperative partnerships across Polish government and industry. Our partnership with the Polish Armaments Group in particular will continue to expand as we implement training and sustainment efforts with local industry," the American company said.

United States Ambassador to Poland mark Brzezinski also commented on the issue.

"Poland's decision to 96 Apache attack helicopters will make it the second-largest, after the USA, operator in the world. This modernisation, along with the purchase of Abrams tanks and other advanced systems, will increase interoperability and military readiness of Poland" - Brzezinski wrote.