MOD chief: Poland will equip its army with 96 Apache attack helicopters

Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski watched the joint Polish-American military drills at a proving ground in Nadarzyce, northwestern Poland.

The drills also involved the American attack helicopters AH-64 Apache.

"We did not watch the Apaches for no reason. We will equip Polish Armed Forces with 96 such helicopters. Even before fulfilling the contract, we will make sure Polish Armed Forces has eight such helicopters, provided to us by the U.S. Army," minister Błaszczak said at a press conference after the drills.

He added he had discussed this issue with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin during his visit to America in May. "I'm glad secretary Austin accepted this proposal. This is a significant reinforcement - our goal is to build an army so strong that Poland is not attacked by Russia, to deter Russia."

"First Polish pilots will begin practice on Apache helicopters in the beginning of August. Right after the traning has been completed, first eight helicopters provided by the USA will be at the Polish Armed Forces disposal," Błaszczak said.

He also stressed he was very impressed with the skills displayed by American pilots and the capabilities of the Apache helicopter. "It is a very modern weapon. I assure you we will make sure Polish Armed Forces have the Apaches at its disposal very soon," the minister added.

In his speech in Nadarzyce, the U.S. Ambassador to Poland Mark Brzezinski praised the AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

"Today we got to see what Apache helicopters are capable of, proof that this aircraft is the most advanced military helicopter in the world," he said.

Brzezinski stressed that the Apache "brings with it a globally recognized reputation". "The U.S. Army’s helicopter is designed to support brigade combat teams across the full spectrum of warfare. They are combat-proven. The Apache is often nicknamed the “Flying Tank” – which should tell you everything you need to know."

The ambassador added that "Poland is receiving an early introduction to these high-tech aircraft". "The 3^rd Combat Air Brigade has already provided valuable know-how to the Polish Air Force," he said.

"We’re sending 8 Apache helicopters to Poland on a temporary basis."

Mark Brzezinski also spoke about the unity and strength of NATO countries.

"A unity of purpose was further solidified at the NATO summit in Vilnius just a few weeks ago. The threats we face together are global and interconnected," he said.

"It’s our transatlantic values we hold so dear and cooperation in NATO that serves as the foundation of our collective defence."

The U.S. ambassador underscored that "NATO is stronger and more united than ever before". "The United States has rallied like-minded countries around the globe to build a global coalition in response to Russia’s horrific against Ukraine," he added.

In May, Minister Mariusz Błaszczak said after the meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin that Poland "received assurances that the US Army will provide us with Apache helicopters".

"It will give us access to them from its own resources, even before the signing of the contract for the purchase of 96 helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces. This is a very significant capability, so we appreciate the Defense Secretary's decision all the more, as these helicopters will be obtained from the resources of the US ground forces. In a few weeks, Polish pilots will begin training. The helicopters will go to the eastern flank of NATO, to the 18th Mechanized Division," he added at the time.

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. The latest version of the aircraft has been officially named AH-64E Guardian.