Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, along with key ministers, attended a ceremony formalizing offset agreements for Apache helicopter technology transfer in Łódź on March 23.
Poland Secures Apache Helicopter Technology Transfer
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, and Deputy Ministers of Defense Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk participated in a ceremony marking offset agreements between the No. 1 Aviation Works and Lockheed Martin on Monday, March 23rd.
The Ministry of National Defense announced that these agreements formally initiate the process of implementing technology and beginning the construction of specialized Apache helicopter infrastructure at the No. 1 Aviation Works in Łódź.
Contract Follows $10.8 Billion Purchase
The commitments stem from a contract signed by the Ministry of National Defense on August 13, 2024, for the purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, valued at approximately $10.8 billion USD.
Tusk stated Poland will honor its contracts with allies, negotiating firmly in the interest of Polish security, companies, and citizens.
“Those Who Wish Us Harm Should Fear the Polish Apache”
Tusk emphasized that the location, the Aviation Works in Łódź, is symbolic, recalling a previous contract for Caracal helicopters that was cancelled by prior administrations, costing Poland 80 million in penalties and delaying similar opportunities.
First Helicopters Expected in 2028
According to Defense24.pl, the first new helicopters are expected to arrive in Poland in 2028. The Polish Armed Forces currently operates eight helicopters for training purposes.
Tusk stressed there is no conflict of interest between NATO countries, stating Poland, Europe, and the USA are one family and community, and that this contract, along with the Polska Zbrojna program and SAFE loan, serve the security and cooperation of all allies.
Largest Contract in Polish History
Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the moment as significant for the Aviation Works, enabling them to service Apaches and other helicopters in the Polish army.
He called the Apache contract, signed on August 13, 2024, the largest in Polish history, and a key component of the government’s goal to build the largest land army in Europe – second in this part of the world and third overall within NATO.
Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that a large land army requires adequate air support.