Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1), the Military Central Bureau of Design and Technology S.A. (WCKBT) and Boeing have signed offset implementation agreements to establish long-term industrial cooperation supporting the sustainment, maintenance and ground support of Poland's AH-64E Apache helicopter fleet.
The signing ceremony took place at the WZL-1 facility in Łódź, with representatives from the Polish Ministry of National Defence, the Government of the Republic of Poland, and the Polish Armed Forces in attendance.
Under the agreements, Boeing will support WZL-1 as they start to support the AH-64E aircraft for the Polish Armed Forces. The center will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, including organizational- and intermediate-level inspections and repairs, as well as selected depot-level component repairs. Boeing and WCBKT will evaluate selected WCBKT ground support equipment for use with the AH-64E Apache helicopter. This effort will assess the feasibility of Polish engineering solutions in support of the combat helicopters and help inform their future role in the Apache sustainment program.
"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 WCKBT, we are building the industrial framework, technical expertise and workforce needed to support Poland's Apache fleet for decades, while strengthening Poland's sovereign defense capabilities."
As part of offset implementation agreements, Boeing will leverage its sustainment expertise to deliver technical insight, resources, and training to WZL-1 and WCKBT's highly skilled workforce, which will enable continuous modernization and operational readiness of the Apache platform within Poland.
"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 Military Aviation Works No. 1 S.A. (WZL-1).
"Signing the implementation agreement with Boeing marks a significant step toward increasing the Polish defense 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 center 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 contracted for 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters. Poland's offset agreements support the implementation of its AH-64E Apache program by developing critical maintenance and sustainment capabilities domestically.
Currently the 19th nation operating the Apache, Poland will become the world's second-largest Apache operator after the United States with the addition of its AH-64E fleet. Proven in combat, the Apache continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt to missions such as Counter-UAS and absorb new technologies to remain dominant against evolving global threats. Approximately 1,300 Apache helicopters are in operation worldwide.
