Fact Check: Poland receives first of eight Apache helicopters, modernizing military capabilities.

Fact Check: "Poland receives first of eight Apache helicopters, modernizing military capabilities."

What We Know

Poland has indeed received its first Apache helicopters as part of a leasing agreement with the United States. On June 17, 2025, the Polish Armed Forces formally inducted the first three AH-64D Apache attack helicopters into service, which are now assigned to the 1st Army Aviation Brigade. This delivery is part of a total of eight units leased from the U.S. These helicopters are intended to support the training of pilots and maintenance personnel before the delivery of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which Poland ordered in August 2024, with deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2032 (source-2, source-3).

The AH-64D helicopters are considered an interim capability, allowing Poland to build operational readiness for the more advanced AH-64E variant (source-2). This acquisition is part of a broader modernization effort of the Polish military, which includes other significant purchases such as M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks and F-35A Lightning II aircraft (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Poland has received its first Apache helicopters is accurate, as evidenced by multiple sources confirming the induction of the AH-64D models into service. The Polish Armed Forces are using these helicopters for immediate training needs while preparing for the more advanced AH-64E models. The lease of the AH-64D helicopters is a strategic move to enhance Poland's military capabilities in the short term, while the larger order of AH-64E helicopters signifies a long-term commitment to modernizing its military (source-2, source-5).

However, the phrase "first of eight Apache helicopters" can be misleading. While Poland is leasing eight AH-64D helicopters, the more significant acquisition is the 96 AH-64E helicopters, which are expected to be delivered later. Thus, the claim may imply that the eight helicopters are the only ones being received, which is not the case. The AH-64D helicopters serve as a stopgap measure, and the focus is on the more advanced AH-64E models (source-3, source-6).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including defense news outlets and official military announcements. However, it is essential to note that some sources may have a slight bias towards emphasizing military advancements, which could influence the framing of the information.

Conclusion

The claim that "Poland receives first of eight Apache helicopters, modernizing military capabilities" is Partially True. While it accurately states that Poland has received its first Apache helicopters, it does not clarify that these are AH-64D models leased for training purposes, with a more significant order of AH-64E helicopters planned for the future. The statement could lead to misunderstandings about the scope and scale of Poland's military modernization efforts.

Fact Check: Poland receives first of eight Apache helicopters, modernizing military capabilities.