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Lockheed Martin has partnered with Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1), one of Europe’s leading aerospace companies, to support the Polish Armed Forces’ AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet. The Polish Ministry of National Defence signed a contract for the acquisition of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters in 2024.
Following a contract award for Generation 4 Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (Gen 4 TADS/PNVS) systems, the partnership between Lockheed Martin and WZL-1 establishes a Special Repair Activity for Apache sensors. WZL-1 will maintain and repair Gen 4 TADS/PNVS and LONGBOW® Fire Control Radar systems from a new facility in Łódź. The initiative marks another milestone in Lockheed Martin’s commitment to supporting the Polish Armed Forces and strengthening the allied defense industrial base.
The Big Picture
Designed as a center for Apache Fire Control sensor sustainment, the new facility will combine Lockheed Martin’s sustainment expertise with WZL-1’s workforce and supply chain to shorten turnaround times and keep Polish Air Force aircraft operational, ensuring they can effectively engage targets and successfully complete their missions.
Why It Matters
Localizing Apache sensor sustainment in Poland will help increase mission-capable rates by enabling faster repairs and upgrades, maximizing aircraft availability for the Polish Armed Forces.
The partnership with WZL-1 advances a broader initiative to spur industrial growth by creating skilled jobs, transferring technology for future sensor and avionics sustainment and bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base.
Strengthening Poland’s Apache fleet sustainment capability also contributes to allied deterrence and interoperability by enhancing allied readiness and operational effectiveness.
Partnership Perspective
“Lockheed Martin is honored to deepen our long-standing partnership with Poland, delivering advanced sensor and sustainment capabilities that strengthen the nation’s security and its vital role within NATO,” said Stacy Kubicek, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Sensors and Global Sustainment. “By working hand-in-hand with Poland’s defense industry, we’re supporting both Poland’s industrial base and fortifying the U.S. defense ecosystem.”
“The conclusion of our executive offset agreements, enabling the implementation and execution of the transaction for Poland’s acquisition of 96 AH-64E combat helicopters, will allow for the establishment of an Industrial Service Center for Apache Helicopters in Poland, based on the specialized entity WZL-1 S.A. in Łódź and Dęblin. These capabilities will ensure the maintenance of a high level of operational availability of Apache helicopters in the Polish Armed Forces, which will translate into the security of our state” highlighted Jacek A. Goszczyński, PhD. Eng., CEO of Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL-1).
Additional Context
Under the partnership, Lockheed Martin will provide resources, training and technical support to WZL-1’s skilled technicians to enable in-country maintenance and repair of Apache sensor systems.
The initiative reaffirms Lockheed Martin’s commitment to bolstering NATO allies’ military capabilities through advanced technologies and sustainment solutions, enhancing allied readiness and supporting a secure Euro-Atlantic region.
