Poland could overtake all other NATO countries except US – ex-NATO policy director

The purchase of Apache helicopters is a very good and militarily sensible investment (and) confirms that Poland could have the strongest army in NATO after the United States,” former Europe and NATO policy head Jim Townsend told Polish state news agency PAP on Saturday, 26th August.

The respected defence expert’s comment came in the wake of the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announcing that the US State Department has approved the sale to Poland of 96 Boeing-made AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, valued at around USD12bn, responding to Poland’s request nearly a year ago.

While not all helicopters will be deployed immediately, the first units will be integrated within Poland’s 18th Mechanised Division, in line with its upcoming acquisition of Abrams tanks.

Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters will be deterrent – minister

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said the combination of Apache helicopters and Abrams tanks represents a substantial and formidable force, intended to serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries.

In light of Russia’s land invasion of Ukraine 18 months ago, the Polish leadership has reinforced its commitment to fortifying defence capabilities. Poland signed purchase agreements for 250 M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks from the US for approximately USD 4.75bn in April, with an additional deal for more tanks worth USD1.4bn finalised in January.

Boeing to make helicopters in Arizona

The Apache helicopters will feature capabilities for manned-unmanned teaming, incorporating unmanned aerial system receivers and ground kits. They will be supplied by Boeing and manufactured in Mesa, Arizona.

Subject to congressional approval, the helicopter sale includes 210 T700-701D engines, 97 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sights (M-TADS) and AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors (PNVS), fire control radars, and common missile warning systems. The sale also includes 1,844 Hellfire missiles and 96 training missiles, 460 Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, 508 Stinger 92K Block I missiles, and 7,650 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II guidance sections.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, will play a central role by providing essential systems such as M-TADS/PNVS, Hellfire weapons, and Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles.