Offset agreements are designed to benefit the purchasing country by fostering cooperation between the supplier and domestic companies. In this case, the agreements aim to enhance Poland’s defence readiness and security.
“The Polish Army is about to acquire these helicopters, which will really strengthen our readiness and our security in the face of what is happening beyond the borders of the Republic of Poland, particularly the war in Ukraine,” said Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Bejda.
The offset deal with Boeing, valued at PLN 400 million (USD 102 million), includes maintenance support for the AH-64E Apache helicopters and training for their maintenance. Meanwhile, the agreement with GE Aerospace worth PLN 530 million (USD 135 million), will focus on providing engine support for the Apaches and power units for other Polish military helicopters.
These agreements are part of Poland’s broader offset strategy related to the Apache helicopter purchase, first announced in September 2022. The strategy aims to ensure that Polish companies play a significant role in servicing and maintaining the new aircraft.
In August 2023, the U.S. approved the sale of the 96 AH-64E Apaches and related equipment to Poland for approximately USD 12 billion. Later that year, Poland secured its initial offset agreements with Lockheed Martin, enabling domestic firms to service and repair radars and missile guidance systems in the AH-64E helicopters.