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Apache coming soon to the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces

05.05.2023

"We have received assurances that the US Army will provide us with Apache helicopters. It will give us access to them from its own resources, even before the signing of the contract for the purchase of 96 helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces. This is a very significant capability, so we appreciate the Defense Secretary's decision all the more, as these helicopters will be obtained from the resources of the US ground forces. In a few weeks, Polish pilots will begin training. The helicopters will go to the eastern flank of NATO, to the 18th Mechanized Division" said Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak after the meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin.

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On May 5, Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin in Washington. The topics of discussion included Polish-American military cooperation, the security situation on NATO's eastern flank and in Europe, deepening military interoperability and the American military presence in Poland.

Speaking of strengthening the Polish Armed Forces, building interoperability and acquiring Apache helicopters, the head of the Ministry of Defense stressed that these are among the best machines in their class.

"We have an agreement on eight helicopters. They will arrive in Poland when Polish soldiers - pilots and technicians - have been trained. However, I will say cautiously that we are unlikely to complete the training this year. But we will start training as soon as possible. Apaches are great weapons and indeed give an advantage to the army that owns these helicopters. We care about strengthening the Polish military to deter an aggressor. These are the best attack helicopters in the world,"

- the head of the Ministry of Defense noted.

The talks at the Pentagon also discussed aspects of the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius. The discussion included issues of commitments to prepare response plans and increase the financial commitment to strengthen the defense forces of NATO countries.

During the meeting at the Pentagon, Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin signed an agreement on reciprocity in defense procurement, which will strengthen cooperation in the military-technical area.

"We also signed an agreement on reciprocity in defense procurement. This is an opportunity for the Polish defense industry. The experiences in this area are good. Some parts for US armaments are already being produced in Poland. The Mielec plant manufactures fuselage components for F-16s, and now there is a greater chance to use this reciprocity in defense procurement. I am convinced that Polish industry will take advantage of this opportunity, because, for example, the production of launchers for Patriots in Poland is highly praised by the US when it comes to the quality of execution of these launchers. So this is a very good signal for the Polish defense industry."

- this is how the head of the Polish defense ministry spoke about the signed agreement.

On Friday, a memorial plaque depicting Polish-American cooperation over the centuries was unveiled at the Pentagon.

GALLERY-->>The visit of the head of the Ministry of Defense to the US.

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During his visit to the US, the head of the Ministry of Defense attended the traditional 3 May Constitution parade in Chicago and met with the Polish community living in the US. The Deputy Prime Minister also took part in the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Illinois National Guard.

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