The United States will lend eight Apache helicopters to Poland while Poland secures a home fleet, confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak after meeting U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. The move is intended to bolster defenses at the Brest Gate on Poland’s eastern border and to strengthen Poland’s overall defensive posture with a credible, immediate capability.
American Apache to Poland
In the initial phase, Apache helicopters will come from American stock before the plan to purchase 96 aircraft is finalized. This step highlights a pivotal capability, and Błaszczak thanked Secretary Austin for the decision during the briefing near the memorial to United States Marines in Arlington, just outside Washington, D.C. He noted that eight helicopters will be supplied by U.S. ground forces, training for Polish pilots will begin within weeks, and the aircraft are expected to operate from eastern Poland starting next year to reinforce defenses at the Brest Gate.
Why are Apaches significant? They complement the Abrams tanks and reinforce Poland’s position on the eastern flank of NATO. The aircraft will support the 18th Mechanized Division and the 1st Air Force Brigade, creating a robust shield alongside Abrams tanks. The defense minister described discussions with Secretary Austin about establishing a hard‑to‑pierce defense line that can deter potential threats.
Last year, Poland expressed interest in acquiring 96 AH‑64 Apache helicopters, though timelines remain uncertain. The full purchase awaits congressional and State Department approval before delivery can proceed.
Agreements on reciprocity in tenders
During the talks with Austin, the deputy prime minister announced the signing of a reciprocity agreement in defense procurement. The framework aims to open opportunities for the Polish defense industry, following successful precedents such as F‑16 fuselage components produced in Mielec and Patriot launcher parts. The United States has praised these collaborations. The new framework could expand joint work and manufacturing in Poland and the United States.
Poland’s defense minister expressed confidence that Polish industry will take advantage of this reciprocal approach. He also highlighted the planned purchase of nearly 500 HIMARS rocket artillery launchers, which opens further industrial opportunities. The deal has received State Department clearance and congressional approval for consideration, with ongoing negotiations on terms. The arrangement envisions substantial Polish participation and emphasizes leveraging Polish arms industry capacity. HIMARS launchers will be mounted on Jelcz vehicles, and there is talk of broader component production, signaling a joint Polish‑American investment as described by the minister.
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 to honor military cooperation between the United States and Poland. The artwork depicts Tadeusz Kościuszko, Kazimierz Pułaski, and U.S. 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 planning for 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 American aircraft participated 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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