Washington greenlights $12Bln sale of Apache helicopters to Poland

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
21 Aug 2023 23:47

Poland has filed a request to purchase 96 Apache Attack Helicopters from the US.

US Army aviator prepares for flight in an AH-64E Longbow Crew Trainer simulator at the Flight Simulation Division. (US Army)

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Monday that it approved the potential sale of AH-64E Apache Helicopters to Poland.

According to the agency, the deal amounts to $12 billion, including the sale of the Apache along with related equipment.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $12.0 billion," DSCA said in a statement.

Poland has filed a request to purchase 96 Apache Attack Helicopters from the US.

It has also requested to purchase Hellfire Missiles, target acquisition systems, and night vision sensors, the statement noted.

The purpose of the sale is to improve the defense capabilities of NATO allies, while it ensures that neither the deal will alter the basic military balance of the region nor adversely impact US military readiness, the statement added.

Of all EU countries, Poland has been the most committed to providing assistance to Kiev and supportive of US policies.

So much so that on August 2, diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Poland escalated as Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Polish ambassador Bartosz Cichocki to Kiev to address "unacceptable" comments made by Polish Secretary of State Marcin Przydacz, who accused Ukraine of ingratitude for the help extended by Poland.

During the meeting, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry emphasized that Przydacz's remarks about the alleged ingratitude of Ukrainians toward Poland's assistance were baseless and did not reflect reality, as stated in a press release by Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.

The controversy was sparked in an interview by the Polish Secretary of State in which Przydacz expressed support for extending an EU ban on certain Ukrainian exports, citing the importance of defending the interests of Polish farmers. He also urged Ukraine to appreciate the role played by Poland in supporting the country over recent months and years.

In response, Andrii Sybiha, the deputy head of the Ukrainian President's Office, categorically rejected Przydacz's assertions, stating that Ukraine highly values Poland's support and expresses gratitude to Poland and its allies daily. Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine's efforts to protect regional values and security are not only in the interests of their nation but also in the interests of Poland and the entire "free world", making it a mutually beneficial partnership.

In an unexpected twist, Polish authorities later announced on social media that they had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador "in connection with the statements made by representatives of the Ukrainian authorities."