Boeing Wins Orders for 96 Polish AH-64, 15 U.S. KC-46

Boeing will produce 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces under a Foreign Military Sales contract awarded by the U.S. Army | Photo: Boeing

Boeing has announced two major defence production awards covering both international and U.S. military customers, including a significant Foreign Military Sales (FMS) order for 96 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for Poland and a separate Lot 12 contract for 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuellers for the U.S. Air Force.

According to the company, the U.S. Army awarded Boeing a contract valued at nearly USD 4.7 billion to produce AH-64E Apaches for multiple international customers, with Poland accounting for 96 aircraft— the largest Apache order ever placed outside the United States. Deliveries to Poland are expected to begin in 2028. The Polish Ministry of National Defence (MND) has already begun pilot and maintainer training and is leasing eight U.S. Army Apaches for this purpose.

“This important agreement allows us to begin building one of the largest and most formidable Apache fleets that the world has ever seen,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing’s Attack Helicopter Programs. “Working closely with the Polish Armed Forces, we’re focused on disciplined execution to help enhance Poland’s defense capabilities and keep up with the strong demand for the most advanced attack helicopter.”

An offset agreement between Boeing and the Polish MND will enable local industry participation in maintenance and support for the fleet. Boeing will also establish training programmes and assist in developing a composite laboratory in Poland. The company noted that more than 1,300 Apache helicopters currently operate worldwide.

Boeing has received an order for 15 KC-46 tankers from the U.S. Air Force | Photo: Boeing

Separately, Boeing announced the award of a USD 2.47 billion Lot 12 contract for 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers for the U.S. Air Force. With this award, 183 KC-46A aircraft are now on contract globally. The U.S. KC-46 fleet has surpassed 150,000 flight hours across training, operational sorties and global deployments.

“Getting on contract helps ensure production stability, including our long-lead supply chain, to continue delivering the unmatched capability of the KC-46A,” said Jake Kwasnik, vice president and KC-46 program manager.

The KC-46A is currently in service with the U.S. Air Force and Japan, while Israel has four aircraft on contract. Boeing highlighted that recent upgrade contracts— including a 2024 award for mission readiness improvements—are enhancing the aircraft’s communication, data connectivity and situational awareness systems.

Both programmes reflect Boeing’s continued production commitments at a time of high global demand for advanced rotary-wing and tanker capabilities.