GE Aerospace has secured a major contract to deliver 210 T700 engines for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, significantly bolstering Poland’s defense capabilities. This landmark deal highlights the strengthening partnership between GE Aerospace and the Polish Ministry of National Defence while enhancing Poland’s self-reliance in maintaining its advanced military fleet.
A Step Forward in Polish Defense
The contract represents a continuation of collaborative efforts between Poland and GE Aerospace, building on an agreement signed in August 2024. As part of this agreement:
- WZL-1 in Deblin will provide licensed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the T700 engines.
- The Military University of Technology in Warsaw (WAT) will oversee comprehensive training for Polish technicians and personnel, ensuring sustainable support for the expanding helicopter fleet.
These initiatives will establish in-country capabilities, enhancing Poland’s military readiness and securing a robust supply chain for T700/CT7 engines across its platforms.
The T700 Engine: Proven Excellence
The T700 engine is a trusted workhorse for medium-sized helicopters, praised for its exceptional performance, reliability, and durability in demanding environments. GE Aerospace has delivered over 25,000 engines globally, accumulating more than 130 million flight hours in some of the world’s most challenging conditions, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defence & Systems at GE Aerospace, emphasized the engine’s track record: “This engine is the engine of choice for medium-sized helicopters with its exceptional performance, reliability, and durability.”
Strengthening Poland’s Self-Reliance
The deal is more than just an engine order—it’s a step toward enhancing Poland’s defense infrastructure and self-sufficiency. The establishment of a local engine depot and training capabilities ensures Poland can independently sustain its Apache helicopter fleet, reducing reliance on external support and ensuring operational readiness in critical situations.
Europe and Beyond: A Trusted Partner
This contract adds to GE Aerospace’s impressive footprint in Europe, where over 1,300 T700/CT7 engines are already in use or on order by 20 military and paramilitary operators. The deal also opens the door for Poland to collaborate with GE Aerospace on its advanced combat engines, such as the F110, F414, and F404, which could further enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
Built for Allies: A U.S. Army Partnership
The engines will be manufactured under a U.S. Army contract as part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. GE Aerospace’s long-term production contract, awarded in June 2024, ensures continuous support for U.S. and allied military programs, reinforcing its position as a trusted defense supplier.
Future Collaborations
This contract not only fortifies Poland’s defense posture but also signals a future of deeper collaboration with GE Aerospace. With a proven track record and unmatched reliability, the T700 engines will serve as the backbone of Poland’s Apache Guardian fleet while laying the groundwork for advanced defense technologies.