Poland signs deal to buy 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing

The Government of Poland signed a letter of acceptance for 96 Boeing (NYSE:BA) AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, the aircraft maker said on Tuesday, as Warsaw continues to modernize its forces since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The agreement, which is said to be valued at $10 billion, includes maintenance and support of the Polish Armed Forces fleet of Apache helicopters by the Polish defense industry, along with the establishment of training programs, among others.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, defense spending has become the top priority for countries on NATO’s eastern flank, with Poland, a strong ally of Ukraine, ramping up its arms spending to about 4% of its GDP this year.

On Monday, Warsaw also signed a contract with defense contractor RTX (RTX) for the production of 48 M903 launchers forming part of Patriot air defense systems, worth about $1.2 billion.

“Poland’s commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside the United States,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift.

• Source: Press Release