SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Boeing said on Tuesday that the government of Poland has signed a deal for the procurement of 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters.
The deal came a week after the Polish Ministry of National Defence announced an offset agreement with Boeing. The agreement includes maintenance and support of the Polish Armed Forces fleet of Apache helicopters by the country's defense industry along with the establishment of training programs and supporting the development of a composite laboratory, according to Boeing.
"Poland's commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS (Foreign Military Sales) order in the history of Boeing's Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside of the United States," said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Vertical Lift division.
Boeing has been building the AH-64 Apache for more than 40 years in Mesa, Arizona. There are currently more than 1,290 Apaches operating worldwide, with sustainment and training support provided by Boeing Global Services, the company said.
