US approves sale of Apache helicopters to Poland for $12 billion

(Patria) - The United States has approved the sale of Apache attack helicopters to Poland worth $12 billion, AFP reported.

Poland will receive 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from manufacturer Boeing, the State Department announced in a notification to Congress about the green light for the sale.

Poland opted for the Apache last year to replace its outdated Soviet-era helicopter fleet due to concerns about Russia's military action in neighboring Ukraine.

The sale will "improve Poland's ability to respond to current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations," the State Department said in a statement.

Polish Minister of Defense Mariusz Blaszczak confirmed the purchase on social media, adding that "until the procedures are completed and the purchased helicopters are delivered to Poland, the US Army will provide us with Apache helicopters from its own resources".

Poland has supported US-led efforts to help Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, and a large portion of US weapons delivered to Ukraine has passed through Poland.
Poland announced in January that it plans to spend four percent of its gross domestic product on defense this year, significantly above NATO's target of two percent.

In June, it received its first Abrams tanks as part of a $1.4 billion deal for combat vehicles previously used by the US Marines. Last year, Poland purchased another 250 Abrams in the more modern M1A2 variant, which are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.

Poland will be the first country, other than the United States, to use these tanks.

Congress has the right to review and block the helicopter deal, but no objections are expected.