We Are Implementing Poland's Largest Offset Defence Programme

Today, at Military Aviation Works No. 1 in Łódź, executive agreements under the offset programme for the AH-64E Apache Guardian were signed between MАW No. 1 and the American defence contractor Lockheed Martin, enabling the implementation of Poland's largest offset defence programme, valued at approximately $10.8 billion.

"Poland was able to negotiate elements of this contract warmly and in a friendly manner, but also firmly. That is the principle we have adopted. (…) You have to negotiate hard in your own interest, you have to make things clear. The task of the Polish government is to safeguard Polish security and Polish interests” - Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared.

In 2024, Poland signed a contract for the purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The first aircraft will arrive in Poland in 2028, with the last helicopter delivered two years later.

"96 Apaches, one of the most important contracts, and probably the single largest contract ever signed by the Republic of Poland, is our achievement. This happened on 13 August 2024, when our government was already pursuing a policy of modernisation and transformation of the Polish Armed Forces" - said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The Apache represents a great opportunity not only for our defence, but also for these specific facilities. The total value of today's signed agreements is approximately PLN 300 million. They will formally open the process of implementing technology and beginning the construction of a full specialist support base for Apache helicopters at Military Aviation Works No. 1 in Łódź.

"Without such executive agreements, without the capabilities that MАW No. 1 will acquire, certain components would have to be sent to the United States. But now we will fly to Łódź for servicing, and it will take us considerably less time than it would in a transatlantic arrangement" - explained Colonel-Pilot Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Head of the Combat Aviation Helicopter Branch at the Helicopter Aviation Directorate of the General Command of the Armed Forces.

The Prime Minister also addressed the decision by the PiS government to cancel the contract for the purchase of Caracal multi-role helicopters, noting that it had consequently cost Poland PLN 80 million in penalties.

"I adopted the principle that Poland will not cancel contracts with any of its allies, and that we will negotiate firmly in the interest of Polish security, Polish companies, and Polish citizens" - the Prime Minister said.

The Defence Minister, in turn, recalled that these helicopters could have been serving in the Polish Armed Forces long ago.

"Full-scale multi-role helicopters could have been serving in the Polish Armed Forces for a long time now. We could have had far more trained helicopter pilots and ground personnel, had the Caracal contract not been cancelled by our predecessors. We do not make such mistakes" - Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz assured.

The government is correcting the mistakes of its predecessors. It does not cancel already concluded agreements or commitments already undertaken.

Poland to Become the Second-Largest Operator of Apache Helicopters After the US

The Prime Minister also addressed the concerns and speculation that accompany contracts of this kind, namely, whether, in the context of the ongoing war and potential future threats, this is the right response to such challenges. The answer is unequivocal.

"Yes, thanks to the American Apaches, which will be serviced in Poland, Poland will be prepared to repel an attack on the modern battlefield. It will be capable of responding to contemporary threats" - Prime Minister Donald Tusk assured.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters are designed primarily to support land forces operations. They also provide support for the air defence system. Poland will become the second country after the United States to hold the largest number of these aircraft.

"Some wonder whether this is an overreach, whether it is an excessive investment. It stems from the needs and the development strategy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. Apaches accompany land forces. We are building the largest land army in Europe" - Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz recalled.

In this respect, Poland already ranks second in this part of the world (after Turkey) and third across NATO as a whole. The helicopters, integrated into the overall strike system of the Polish Armed Forces, will also operate in conjunction with the latest version of the ABRAMS tank.

Poland Consistently Strengthens Its Security and Defends Its Interests

The Prime Minister emphasised that decisions concerning Poland's security are taken first and foremost in the interest of the Polish people. Examples include the Polska Zbrojna (Armed Poland) project and the SAFE programme, based on favourable European loans. These solutions strengthen the state's financial capacity and allow funds to be freed up from other parts of the budget, while maintaining close cooperation with the United States.

"There is no conflict of interests between NATO member states. Poland, Europe, and the United States are one family and one community. This contract, like the Polska Zbrojna programme and the SAFE loan, serves the security and cooperation of all Alliance members" - the Prime Minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced the introduction of the SAFE programme.

"We will implement the SAFE programme, sign all the contracts, and fulfil all our commitments. We will not waste any opportunity that strengthens Poland's security" - the Defence Minister said.

Poland is effectively defending its interests today, acting with dignity, not on its knees, grounded in sound intelligence and a clear assessment of who can be relied upon and who poses a threat.