#Warsaw #Poland #GE Aerospace #T700 Engines #Apache Helicopters

GE Aerospace's Strategic Order for Poland's Apache Guardian Helicopters

In an impressive move to bolster the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces, GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) has secured an order for 210 T700 engines, intended to power 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. This development was announced on January 8, 2025, by Amy Gowder, the President and CEO of Defense Systems at GE Aerospace. During the announcement, Gowder emphasized the T700 engine's reputation for performance, reliability, and durability, making it the preferred choice for medium-sized helicopters worldwide.

The significance of this order is underscored by the prior cooperative agreement established in August 2024 between GE Aerospace and the Polish Ministry of National Defense. This agreement stipulates that Military Aviation Works based in Deblin (WZL-1) will provide licensed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for the T700 engines not only on the Apache helicopters but also on the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawks and CT7 engines powering Leonardo AW149 and AW101 helicopters within the Polish inventory.

Enhancing Skillsets and Employment Opportunities

Furthermore, the Polish Military University of Technology in Warsaw (WAT) is set to oversee training initiatives, focusing on T700 and CT7 engine operations. This training will cater to Polish technicians, military personnel, and WZL-1 employees, thereby fostering a skilled workforce adept at maintaining and supporting the helicopter fleet. This venture promises significant job creation and retention within Poland, contributing to the nation's defense industrial base.

With such strategic partnerships, the Ministry of National Defense in Poland is set to benefit from upgraded engine training capabilities and enhanced supply security for all platforms relying on the T700 and CT7 engine lines. Furthermore, this agreement lays the foundation for potential future collaborations within the Polish defense landscape, involving advanced GE Aerospace combat engines such as the F110, F414, and F404.

A Proven Track Record

The T700/CT7 family of engines has established a solid track record, powering over 15 military and civilian aircraft types, with an impressive portfolio comprising more than 130 customers in over 50 countries. To date, more than 25,000 T700/CT7 engines have been delivered, accumulating upwards of 130 million flight hours. Notably, these engines have proven their resilience and dependability in some of the most challenging environments, including combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In Europe alone, over 1,300 T700/CT7 engines have either been delivered or are currently on order for 20 military and paramilitary clients, reinforcing the engine's integral role within European defense operations.

The forthcoming engines are set to be manufactured under a U.S. Army contract facilitated through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. In June 2024, the U.S. Army awarded GE Aerospace an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the production of up to 950 T700 engines to address requirements across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and various government programs until 2029.

GE Aerospace in Poland

GE Aerospace's commitment to Poland spans over 30 years, with a robust workforce of more than 2,000 skilled employees across six operational facilities focused on developing cutting-edge aerospace technology for both defense and commercial applications. Since 1992, GE Aerospace has invested a total of $700 million in Poland, with an additional annual investment of $50 million dedicated to research and development projects. This places GE Aerospace as a valued and enduring partner in Poland's defense infrastructure and aerospace technology advancement. For more information, visit www.geaerospace.com.