“These helicopters will provide the necessary operational capabilities that will significantly facilitate the introduction into service of the acquired AH-64E Apaches,” said Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz during the ceremony. The delivery is the result of a USD 300 million net leasing package signed on 27 February, covering eight AH-64D helicopters.
The AH-64D Apaches serve as a transitional solution, enabling faster preparation of air and ground personnel and shortening the training process by two years. According to Ministry of National Defence representatives, the first 15 AH-64E Echo model helicopters are expected to arrive in Poland in 2028.
Training of pilots and the Engineering and Aviation Service (SIL) began in the second half of 2023. Personnel from the 49th and 56th Air Bases were sent to the United States under an agreement signed by the Air Force Inspectorate.
The trained soldiers in Poland will form the core of the future instructional cadre. To date, 20 Polish pilots and 22 ground crew members have completed Apache training.
By the fourth quarter of this year, another 20 pilots and 25 ground crew members are scheduled to be trained. In 2026, training is planned for 50 pilots and 250 ground personnel.
The training programme consists of two phases. The first takes place at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE), where soldiers learn piloting skills and onboard system operations, while the second phase in Poland focuses on formation flying and operational readiness.
The next batch of AH-64D helicopters is expected to arrive in the final quarter of 2025.
