The Polish Ministry of Defense has signed a pair of offset agreements with Boeing and GE Aerospace in support of the anticipated $12 billion purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters.
The agreement with Boeing is worth 400 million zlotys ($102 million), covering maintenance support and training, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the 530-million-zloty ($135 million) agreement with GE is in support of MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) facilities for the T700/CT7 engines, powering the Apaches and other Polish military helicopters.
“The Polish Army is about to acquire these helicopters, which will really strengthen our readiness, our security in the face of what is happening beyond the borders of the Republic of Poland, I mean the war in Ukraine,” Reuters quoted Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Bejda as saying.
Collaboration With Local Firms
Polish aerospace firm Military Aviation Works (Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze NR 1 S.A. or WZL-1) will provide the MRO services under agreement with GE in Deblin.
Military University of Technology in Warsaw (Wojskowa Akademia Techniczna or WAT) will manage training, including engine training and training to prepare future engineering staff for the Polish Armed Forces.
The agreement will provide high-value local jobs and help enrich the Polish defense industrial base with new areas of engine MRO technology, training, and technical assistance.
“These collaborations with WZL-1 and WAT will be the key to ensuring Poland has the right capabilities and resources to support Poland’s growing fleet of GE Aerospace’s T700/CT7 engines,” vice president, Global Sales & Business Development at GE Aerospace Rita Flaherty said.
“Both partners perfectly complement the Polish Armed Forces’ requirement for in-country capabilities, and GE Aerospace looks forward to working with these Polish companies as they support the T700/CT7 family of engines.”
Warsaw’s Helicopter Buying Spree
The US State Department approved Poland’s purchase request for the Boeing helicopters in August 2023.
Warsaw intends to replace its Soviet-era military helicopter fleet with the Apache in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The country is also borrowing eight Apaches from the US, with delivery expected from 2024.
Additionally, Poland is negotiating the purchase of around 32 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from the US, after acquiring 32 AgustaWestland AW149 helicopters for $1.83 billion in 2022.
