“The Polish Apache Initiative provides the Polish Army with training events and leader engagements that will successfully integrate the AH-64 Apache helicopter into their military structure,” said U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Conner, director of aviation at V Corps Forward headquarters at Camp Kosciusko, Poland. The summit included live-fire exercises and discussions between U.S. and Polish Apache aviation communities.
At Ustka Range, V Corps’ 12th Combat Aviation Brigade successfully fired two Spike missiles from an AH-64Ev6 Apache Guardian helicopter, the first time the missile system has been tested in Europe. Spike is a non-line of sight missile system that can engage targets over 30 kilometres away and be mounted on ground, marine and aviation platforms.
Observers from several countries, including senior military representatives and defence officials, witnessed the event, which showcased future possibilities for Poland’s Apaches. The integration of the SPIKE NLOS missile with the AH-64E Apache demonstrated its capability for maritime and beyond-line-of-sight missions and underlined U.S.-Polish cooperation in strengthening NATO’s eastern flank.
At Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland’s 12th Mechanized Division worked with the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade in an air-ground integration live-fire exercise. “The (air-ground integration live-fire exercise) provided a live-demonstration of the utilization of the AH-64D Apache helicopter supporting a ground unit in a defensive operation,” Conner said.
He added: “In addition to the AH-64D demonstration, a tactical forward arming and refueling point will also be implemented that will display expeditionary arming and refueling in a combined arms fight.” After the exercises, Polish and American Apache aviators held discussions on training, integration and Poland’s Apache programme.
