Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and worsening NATO-Russia relations, Poland initiated the Kruk attack helicopter replacement program. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine accelerated Poland’s military spending and equipment modernization efforts. In September 2022, Poland announced plans to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, formalizing the deal in August 2024 through the US Foreign Military Sales program. These Apaches will replace Poland’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Mil Mi-24 Hinds, significantly enhancing the country’s attack helicopter capabilities. Once delivered, Poland will have the world’s second-largest AH-64 fleet, marking a substantial upgrade in its military power.
Related Posts
Poland gets $4 billion US loan for defence purchases
- Veiko Lukmann
- 06/12/2024
- 0
Poland has signed a $4 billion loan under the United States’ Foreign Military Financing program to support its armed forces transformation, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz announced. The U.S. has provided Poland with over $11 billion for armament programs, including Patriot air defense systems and Apache helicopters. Poland plans to allocate 4.1% of its GDP to defense in 2024, with a pledge to increase this to 4.7% by 2025. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the American ballistic missile defense base in Redzikowo, which will be integrated into the Aegis Ashore missile defense system. This reflects Poland’s commitment […]
First F-35 for Poland makes maiden flight
- Veiko Lukmann
- 05/12/2024
- 0
The first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II for Poland completed its maiden flight on December 2 at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in Texas. Aircraft 3502, flown by a company pilot, will undergo flight trials before joining 3501 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas for pilot training. Poland’s first pilot is expected to begin flying the F-35A in January 2025. Named “Husarz” by Poland’s Ministry of National Defence, the aircraft will feature low-visibility greyed-out checkerboard markings to preserve stealth capabilities. This marks a significant milestone in Poland’s modernization of its air force. Original news
Norway to send F-35 fighter jets, air defence systems to Poland
- Veiko Lukmann
- 03/12/2024
- 0
Norway’s defense ministry announced plans to deploy F-35 fighter jets and NASAMS air defense systems to Poland’s Rzeszow airport, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine. Starting in early December, Norway will also send around 100 soldiers to safeguard the airspace above the airport. Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram emphasized Poland’s critical role in supporting Ukraine, ensuring aid reaches its destination. This deployment underscores Norway’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. The initiative highlights international collaboration to maintain the flow of military support to Ukraine. Original news