The Polish aviation plant Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze (WZL) has signed an agreement with the U.S. company Lockheed Martin.
The deal includes investment commitments tied to Poland’s purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, according to Defence24.
This agreement paves the way for building a service center in Poland, which will support what will become the world’s second-largest fleet of AH-64 Apache helicopters after the United States.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the deal is a major opportunity for both national security and industrial growth. He noted that Poland conducted negotiations in a friendly but firm manner to secure favorable terms.
The project will allow Poland to maintain the helicopters domestically and free up additional funds to buy other modern weapons, especially from U.S. manufacturers.
The Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, stated that the WZL plant will become a service hub not only for American equipment but also for European systems, including engine repairs.
At present, Poland already operates eight leased AH-64D helicopters, which are being used for intensive training of ground personnel.
