Defense & Military
Poland Launches AH-64D Apache Training for Military Modernization
Poland begins AH-64D Apache training under a $300M lease, bridging to 96 AH-64E Guardians as part of NATO-aligned defense upgrades and industrial partnerships.
On July 13, 2025, the Polish Armed Forces conducted their first training flight with the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military modernization efforts. This inaugural sortie, carried out by a joint Polish-American crew, represents the beginning of a broader transformation in Poland’s rotary-wing combat capabilities.
The training flight is part of a $300 million leasing agreement with the United States for eight AH-64D helicopters. These older-model Apaches serve as interim platforms to train personnel ahead of the delivery of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians, purchased under a nearly $11 billion deal signed in 2024. Poland’s aim is not only to modernize its fleet but also to establish itself as a key NATO contributor on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Against the backdrop of regional instability following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland’s investment in Apache helicopters reflects a strategic pivot toward high-intensity conflict preparedness. The move also underscores Warsaw’s commitment to interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, as well as its ambition to build domestic defense capabilities through industrial offset agreements.
Poland’s decision to acquire Apache helicopters is rooted in a broader defense modernization strategy initiated in response to heightened security threats along its eastern borders. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 significantly altered the security landscape in Central and Eastern Europe, prompting Warsaw to overhaul its armed forces with a focus on mobility, firepower, and interoperability.
In August 2024, Poland signed a government-to-government Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the United States to procure 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The contract, valued at approximately $11 billion, includes logistics support, training packages, and munitions. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 and continue through 2032, positioning Poland as the second-largest Apache operator globally, after the U.S.
To bridge the operational gap prior to the AH-64E’s arrival, Poland entered into a leasing agreement for eight AH-64D Longbow helicopters in February 2025. The first three units arrived at the 56th Air Base in Inowrocław on June 16, 2025, and were officially welcomed during a ceremony the following day. These D-models, while older, offer similar flight characteristics to the E-model, making them suitable for initial pilot and crew training.
The AH-64D training program is structured in two phases: initial flight instruction in the United States and ground operations training in Poland. Polish pilots undergo flight training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Novosel, Alabama, where they learn basic flight dynamics, weapons systems, and emergency procedures. Upon returning to Poland, they transition to tactical training, including formation flying, combat scenarios, and integration with ground forces.
By the end of 2025, Poland expects to have trained 20 pilots and 22 ground crew, with additional cohorts scheduled for Q4 2025 and throughout 2026. The goal is to prepare 50 pilots and 250 ground personnel by the end of 2026. The first training flight on July 13, 2025, validated the effectiveness of this approach, showcasing low-altitude maneuvers and sensor coordination capabilities. Colonel Ryan Kendall, commander of the U.S. Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, emphasized the significance of the joint effort: “This collaboration is key to building a combat credible Polish attack aviation capability through shared expertise and operational alignment.”
“This collaboration is key to building a combat credible Polish attack aviation capability through shared expertise and operational alignment.”, Col. Ryan Kendall, U.S. Army
The AH-64D Apache Longbow is powered by two General Electric T700-701C engines, each producing 1,890 shaft horsepower. It can reach speeds up to 158 knots and has a combat radius of approximately 260 nautical miles. Its armament includes a 30 mm M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets, providing robust anti-armor and close air support capabilities.
One of the key features of the AH-64D is its Longbow radar system, which enables target acquisition in adverse weather and battlefield conditions. While the D-model lacks the AH-64E’s advanced networking and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control capabilities, it remains a formidable platform for training and initial operational deployment.
The AH-64D’s operational cost is higher than the E-model, with estimates exceeding $10,000 per flight hour. However, its role is transitional, focused on preparing Polish crews for the more advanced AH-64E. Boeing has stated that the D-models are sufficient for familiarization with flight systems and maintenance procedures, thus ensuring a smoother transition when the E-models arrive.
To support the Apache program, Poland has secured offset agreements worth approximately $237 million. Boeing’s $102 million agreement with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 (WZL-1) will establish domestic maintenance facilities for the Apache airframes. GE Aerospace’s $135 million contract focuses on engine maintenance capabilities, particularly for the T700 engines used in multiple helicopter platforms, including the Apache, AW149, and Black Hawk.
These agreements aim to reduce Poland’s reliance on foreign logistical support and enhance self-sufficiency in defense maintenance. The Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw is also involved, offering specialized training in avionics and engine diagnostics. Paweł Bejda, Deputy Minister of National Defence, stated, “Offset agreements bolster our economy, allowing Polish industry to service composite structures and engines.”
In the long term, these partnerships are expected to position Poland as a regional hub for Apache maintenance within NATO, supporting both domestic and allied fleets. This aligns with Poland’s broader goal of retaining a significant portion of defense spending within its own economy, fostering technological development and job creation.
Poland’s Apache acquisition is not just about hardware, it’s a strategic move to enhance NATO’s eastern flank. With defense spending reaching 4.12% of GDP in 2025, Poland leads all NATO members in terms of investment relative to economic output. The Apache program complements other U.S.-supplied systems such as Abrams tanks and HIMARS rocket artillery, forming an integrated deterrence posture. The U.S. V Corps has launched the “Polish Apache Initiative,” which includes joint exercises, command and control integration, and electronic warfare training. These efforts aim to ensure seamless coordination during multinational operations, a critical capability given Poland’s frontline position bordering Ukraine and Belarus.
While the U.S. Army is shifting focus toward unmanned systems and drone swarms, Poland remains committed to manned attack aviation. Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has acknowledged the importance of unmanned systems but emphasized that Apaches will serve as the backbone of Poland’s immediate combat aviation strategy.
The first training flight of the AH-64D Apache in Poland marks the beginning of a transformative period in the nation’s defense strategy. By leveraging leased D-model helicopters, Poland is accelerating its path toward full operational capability with the AH-64E, while simultaneously building domestic maintenance and training infrastructure.
As regional tensions persist, Poland’s investments in high-end military capabilities reflect a broader shift toward readiness and deterrence. The Apache program not only enhances national defense but also strengthens NATO’s collective security architecture. In the years ahead, Poland is poised to become a central player in regional defense, supported by a modern, interoperable, and well-trained attack aviation force.
Question: Why is Poland leasing AH-64D Apaches instead of waiting for the AH-64E?
Answer: The lease allows Poland to begin training pilots and maintenance crews immediately, ensuring readiness by the time the AH-64E helicopters are delivered starting in 2028.
Question: How many AH-64E Apaches has Poland ordered?
Answer: Poland has ordered 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians, making it the second-largest operator globally after the United States. Question: What are the main differences between the AH-64D and AH-64E?
Answer: The AH-64E features more powerful engines, advanced avionics, network-centric capabilities, and UAV control interfaces, whereas the AH-64D is optimized for basic combat and training missions.
Polish Armed Forces Begin AH-64D Apache Training Flights: A Strategic Leap Forward
Background: Poland’s Military Modernization and Apache Acquisition
Training Program and Personnel Development
Technical Capabilities of the AH-64D Apache
Industrial Partnerships and Offset Agreements
Geopolitical Implications and NATO Interoperability
Conclusion
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: The War Zone