Poland to Receive 8 Apache Helicopters from U.S. Stock Ahead of a Contract for 96 Choppers

Polish servicemen will soon begin training on how to operate the AH-64 Apache helicopters, ahead of the delivery of eight aircraft.

"The U.S. army will provide Poland with Apache helicopters from its own resources, even before signing the contract for the purchase of 96 helicopters," Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said after the meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin on May 5.

The U.S. ground forces will provide Poland with eight rotorcraft, and the training of Polish pilots is set to begin in a few weeks. The helicopters will go to eastern Poland next year, Blaszczak said.

He added that the helicopters will go to the eastern flank of NATO, to the 18th Mechanized Division.

Last year, Poland expressed its desire to purchase 96 Apache helicopters, though it is unclear when the deliveries could take place.