After Poland placed an astronomical order for 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians for $10 billion, the question arose regarding how to most effectively prepare pilots and technicians for their operation. The solution was found in leasing a relatively small number of helicopters right away.
Today, February 27, the Polish Ministry of Defense announced that a firm contract has been signed for the lease of 8 helicopters of the earlier version, the AH-64D Apache Longbow. This lease will last until the delivery of the first own machines, which is scheduled to happen in 2028. The cost of this three-year lease is $300 million.
This means that the lease of one Apache is estimated at around $12.5 million per year. Furthermore, the $300 million includes expenses for maintaining the operation of the attack helicopters and training Polish personnel. Of course, such terms are hardly possible without a prior order for nearly a hundred helicopters.
As noted by the head of Poland's Ministry of Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, this lease will allow for immediate full-scale operation of the first batch of 15 already ordered Polish Apaches. The leased helicopters and the first batch of ordered helicopters will be assigned to the 1st Army Aviation Brigade of the Land Forces, located in Inowrocław, in the central part of the country. Currently, this brigade operates older Soviet Mi-24 and Mi-2 helicopters, as well as the PZL W-3 Sokół, which is based on the Mi-2.
Thus, Polish helicopter pilots are set to transition from outdated technology to cutting-edge American models within three years. This will occur without being entirely dependent on spots in flight schools outside the country. However, the first group of pilots and technicians still had to be trained in the USA. In particular, Polish technicians underwent seven months of training, three of which were dedicated to language preparation.
It is worth noting that the AH-64E Apache Guardian is currently the most advanced version of this attack helicopter. It features complete digitization and integration into advanced information combat systems, including the ability for direct interaction with UAVs, updates to onboard electronic systems, including a new radar and optical station, remotorization, and more. However, Boeing has already formulated its vision for the next version of the Apache, particularly in light of Ukraine's experience.