The United States has greenlit a major defense deal, agreeing on Monday to sell Poland attack helicopters worth $12 billion. The move deepens military ties between the two NATO allies, especially in light of Poland’s support for Ukraine against the Russian incursion.
The US Department of State announced its approval of the transaction, revealing that they’ve notified Congress regarding the deal requested by the Polish government. The agreement comprises the sale of 96 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters.
Last year, Poland decided to acquire these Apache helicopters to replace its aging fleet, which dates back to the Soviet era. This decision was largely influenced by growing concerns regarding Russia, its historical adversary.
The US State Department emphasized in its statement that the deal would “enhance Poland’s ability to face current and future threats by providing credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in NATO operations.”
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak confirmed the deal in a post on the platform “X” (previously Twitter), stating, “While we await the completion of procedures and the delivery of the purchased helicopters, the US Army will supply Poland with Apaches from its resources.”
Poland has actively backed US efforts to support Kyiv in its standoff against Russian aggression. A substantial amount of American weaponry, worth billions of dollars, has been delivered to Ukraine through Polish borders.
In January, Poland announced its intention to allocate 4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) towards defense, a figure that doubles the 2% benchmark set by NATO.
In June, Poland received its first batch of Abrams tanks as part of a $1.4 billion deal involving equipment used by the US Marine Corps.
Last year, Poland also purchased an additional 250 Abrams M1A2 tanks, the latest model, with expectations of delivery by the end of 2024. Remarkably, Poland will become the first country outside the US to possess these tanks.
