Poland leases AH-64D Apaches to prepare for AH-64E entry into service

Poland is leasing eight older-model AH-64D (pictured) Apache attack helicopters so as to prepare for the introduction into service of the latest standard AH-64E. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

Poland has signed a leasing agreement with the US for Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters ahead of the planned introduction into service of the latest AH-64E Apache Guardian.

The Polish Ministry of National defence (MND) announced the USD300 million leasing arrangement for eight AH-64D helicopters on 27 February, saying they will be used to train its pilots and maintainers in preparation for the 96 newbuild AH-64Es that are being acquired for USD10 billion under Poland's Kruk (Raven) requirement.

“Polish instructors are already being trained to teach future Apache AH-64E pilots. These eight [AH-64D] units are a bridge version until 2028, when the first [AH-64E] units ordered by Poland will arrive,” Secretary of State at the MND Paweł Bejda said.

“The AH-64E Apache attack helicopters ordered by Poland will provide the Land Forces Aviation [Brigade] with completely new combat capabilities in terms of target engagement and reconnaissance. This is also another key change in the modernisation and development of helicopter aviation of the Polish Armed Forces. Poland will become the second largest user of these helicopters in the world, after the United States,” the MND added.

News of the leasing deal came weeks after the US Department of Defense (DoD) awarded the first contract for Poland's AH-64E buy in December 2024, following the Eastern European NATO country signing for the attack helicopter in August 2024.