Boeing, Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (the Military Aviation Works No. 1 – WZL-1) and Wojskowe Centralne Biuro Konstrukcyjno-Technologiczne S.A. (the Military Central Bureau of Design and Technology – WCBKT) have signed offset implementation agreements related to Poland’s acquisition of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. These agreements aim intended to establish long-term industrial cooperation and develop domestic capabilities for the maintenance, servicing and ground support of the Polish Apache fleet.
The signing ceremony was held at the WZL-1 facility in Łódź and was attended by representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the Polish government and the Polish Armed Forces.
Under the agreements, Boeing will support WZL-1 in establishing the capabilities required to maintain and service the AH-64E helicopters operated by the Polish Armed Forces. WZL-1 is expected to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services, including organisational- and intermediate-level inspections and repairs, as well as selected depot-level component repairs.
The cooperation will also involve WCBKT, with Boeing and the Polish company set to evaluate selected items of WCBKT’s ground support equipment for use with the AH-64E Apache helicopter. This assessment is intended to determine whether Polish-designed and manufactured solutions can be integrated into the helicopters’ support system and potentially contribute to the future Apache sustainment programme.
“Signing these agreements marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s partnership with Poland and demonstrates our enduring commitment to supporting the Polish Armed Forces through robust, in-country sustainment and maintenance capabilities,” said Marc-Olivier Sabourin, Vice-President EICLA & Training Solutions, Boeing Global Services. “Together with WZL-1 and WCBKT, we are building the industrial framework, technical expertise and workforce needed to support Poland’s Apache fleet for decades, while strengthening Poland’s sovereign defence capabilities.”
As part of the offset programme, Boeing will provide its Polish partners with technical expertise, resources and training. The objective is to develop the necessary skills and infrastructure in Poland, allowing the domestic defence industry to play an increasing role in maintaining the helicopters and supporting their operational readiness throughout their service lives.
“For WZL-1, establishing the largest Apache support infrastructure in Europe is both a responsibility and a natural extension of our core business activities. This agreement will enable us to provide support to the Polish Armed Forces, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities,” said Jacek A. Goszczyński, PhD Eng., CEO of WZL-1.
“Signing the implementation agreement with Boeing marks a significant step toward increasing the Polish defence industry’s participation in the AH-64E Apache support program. For WCBKT S.A., this represents an opportunity to further develop capabilities and strengthen the company’s position as a national centre of expertise in the design, manufacture, and servicing of ground support equipment for modern military platforms. We believe that utilizing equipment developed and manufactured by WCBKT S.A.—alongside the potential of the Polish industry—will enhance logistical support efficiency and strengthen the operational independence of the Polish Armed Forces. We are confident that WCBKT S.A.’s expertise and the quality of our solutions will enable us to effectively support AH-64E Apache operations with state-of-the-art ground support equipment.” said Roman Fiszer, PhD Eng., CEO of WCBKT S.A.
Poland has ordered 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters under a Foreign Military Sales agreement signed in August 2024. The first helicopters are scheduled for delivery from 2028 onwards, with the entire fleet expected to be delivered by 2032. This purchase of 96 aircraft is the largest single order for Apache helicopters placed by a customer outside the United States and will make Poland the largest foreign operator of the type.
The new agreements represent another element of the industrial cooperation accompanying the Apache programme. WZL-1, a member of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A (the Polish Armaments Group – PGZ), has more than 80 years of experience in the maintenance, repair, overhaul and modernisation of military aircraft and their systems. The company operates facilities in Łódź and Dęblin and is already involved in a number of major Polish defence programmes, including the support of M-346 Master advanced jet trainers and the production of launch canisters for PAC-3 MSE missiles.
WCBKT, which is also part of PGZ, has been developing and supplying equipment for the Polish Armed Forces for more than 55 years. Since the early 1990s, it has been Poland’s only domestic manufacturer specialising in ground support equipment (GSE), designing, producing and servicing equipment used to support both military and civil aircraft operations. Its involvement in the Apache programme is intended to further develop these capabilities and increase the role of Polish-designed GSE in supporting modern combat aircraft and helicopters.
Poland is currently the 19th country to operate the Apache and, once all 96 AH-64Es have been delivered, will have the second-largest Apache fleet in the world, after the United States. Approximately 1,300 Apaches are currently in service worldwide.
Further information on Poland’s acquisition of the AH-64E Apache – including the contract, weapons and logistics package, training and other elements of the programme – can be found in our previous articles: Helicopter purchase of the century – 96 AH-64E Apache for Poland and 96 Apaches for Poland – the $4.7 billion contract officially awarded to Boeing.
Cover photo, photo #1 and all quotations © Boeing. Information from the Boeing company press releases were used.
