The United States will loan Poland eight Apache helicopters until Poland secures its own fleet, confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak after a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. He noted the helicopters are meant to bolster defenses at the so‑called Brest Gate.
American Apache to Poland
Initially, the U.S. military will supply Apache helicopters from its own stock before the 96‑aircraft purchase agreement is signed. This move reflects a critical capability, and Błaszczak expressed gratitude to Secretary Austin for the decision.
– speaking at a press briefing near the memorial to United States Marine Corps soldiers in Arlington, close to Washington, D.C., he described the plan. He explained that eight helicopters will be provided by U.S. ground forces, pilot training for Poland will begin within weeks, and the aircraft are expected to operate from eastern Poland next year to strengthen defenses at the Brest Gate.
Why do Apaches matter? They complement the Abrams tanks and are positioned to reinforce Poland and the eastern NATO flank. They will support the 18th Mechanized Division and the 1st Air Force Brigade, helping to create a robust shield alongside Abrams tanks. The defense minister described discussions with Secretary Austin about establishing an effective, hard‑to‑pierce defense line.
– he added. Last year, Poland signaled interest in acquiring 96 AH‑64 Apache helicopters, though delivery timelines remain uncertain. The purchase awaits congressional and State Department approval.
Agreements on reciprocity in tenders
The deputy prime minister said that during the talks with Austin, he signed a reciprocity agreement in defense procurement. This agreement should open opportunities for the Polish defense industry. He highlighted successful precedents of cooperation, such as F‑16 fuselage components produced in Mielec and Patriot launcher parts, which the Americans have praised. The new framework could expand opportunities for joint work and manufacturing in Poland and the United States.
He expressed confidence that Polish industry will take advantage of the reciprocal framework.
According to him, Poland’s planned purchase of nearly 500 HIMARS rocket artillery launchers also presents industrial opportunities. The deal has been cleared by the State Department and received congressional approval for consideration, with ongoing negotiations on terms. The arrangement envisions significant Polish participation and the use of Polish arms industry capacity. HIMARS launchers will be mounted on Jelcz vehicles, and there is talk of broader component production, making the project a joint Polish‑American investment, as described by the minister.
He noted that the initial batch of five launchers from the 2019 order of 20 is expected to be delivered in May of the current year.
Unveiling of a unique mural
During the Pentagon visit, a mural was unveiled on one wall to honor military cooperation between the United States and Poland. The artwork depicts Tadeusz Kościuszko, Kazimierz Pułaski, and US sergeant Michael Ollins, who lost his life saving a Polish officer in Afghanistan. Błaszczak stated that talks with Austin also covered NATO’s July summit in Vilnius and the planning of response measures and increased defense spending among allied forces. When asked about help in identifying a missile found near Bydgoszcz, the minister noted that the prosecutor’s office is investigating the matter, and that American aircraft took part in the December 16 operation when fighter jets tracked an unidentified target, with close U.S. involvement.
Friday marks the second day of the deputy prime minister’s trip to the United States. He will travel to Chicago for the Constitution Parade and meetings with the Illinois National Guard, before continuing on to Canada.
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Note: This rewrite retains the core information and intent while expanding context for clarity and audience relevance in Canada and the United States. Citations and attribution are provided in line with the original reporting sources and are noted for reference in the closing attribution section.