Polish Crews to Train on Apache Helicopters Like in the US: Polish Ministry of Defence Announces Changes

During a meeting in Dęblin with the leadership of the 4th Training Aviation Wing, Kosiniak-Kamysz thanked the commanders for their efforts in preparing Poland’s future pilots and ground crew for the Polish Air Force.

“I would like to thank the command staff on behalf of all Poles for their work in preparing our pilots and ground crews,” the minister said.

Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the need to accelerate the training process. He pointed to the U.S. model, where senior NCOs are successfully trained to fly AH-64 Apache helicopters, a program that Poland also plans to adopt. “We need to shorten the training period and properly prepare our personnel. The U.S. trains NCOs to fly Apache helicopters, and we aim to implement this in Poland. All of this must be done while maintaining high standards and ensuring safety,” he noted.

The news of training Polish NCOs as Apache pilots was first reported by Defence24.pl.

The deputy prime minister also discussed changes to the regulations tied to the Act on Homeland Defence. These will include updates to the military education system, and streamlining the process of preparing personnel for the Polish Armed Forces. Recent controversies have highlighted issues with military academic admissions for those who have completed voluntary military service. The government has promised to address these concerns. “Each case involving recruitment and study at military academies will be reviewed individually,” Kosiniak-Kamysz assured.

He also stressed the need to introduce changes to the military education system in the upcoming academic year. The new helicopter pilot training program, modeled after the U.S. system, is expected to start as soon as possible and will cover pilot and ground crew training. “We need to train hundreds of personnel to meet the challenges posed by the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces,” Kosiniak-Kamysz added.

Here, it is worth to add a small comment. It remains worth noting that the current Polish helicopter pilot training system is under significant strain and requires updates, particularly in terms of equipment. To effectively train on Apache helicopters and other new models, Poland urgently needs modern, twin-engine helicopters. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Poland discontinued the training of warrant officers (formerly a separate corps, now classified as senior NCOs) as helicopter pilots. However, some of the most experienced pilots trained under this system remain in service and continue to deliver excellent results.

Therefore, strengthening the training system is essential. In the initial years, pilot training will require substantial U.S. support, so adopting American solutions makes sense. It expands the pool of personnel eligible to operate helicopters and has proven effective in practice. Poland is expected to receive 96 AH-64E Apache Guardians between 2028 and 2032. If well-organized, the country should be able to prepare its personnel by then, utilizing eight older AH-64D helicopters currently leased by Poland. The Ministry of Defense’s decision is a positive step forward, but its implementation will require significant organizational, equipment, and legal changes.