On Monday, September 9, 2024, in Dęblin, a meeting took place between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the authorities of the Air Force Academy (LAW), and the command staff of the 4th Aviation Training Wing named after Brig. Gen. Pilot Witold Urbanowicz.
Photos: Ministry Of National Defense
“Today, we had an important discussion about changes in training, particularly in the training of helicopter pilots, but also of unmanned aerial vehicle [operators]. The Americans, who are the largest producer and operator of AH-64E Apache helicopters, allow non-commissioned officers to fly them. This process runs very smoothly there. I discussed this with the Secretary of Defense during my visit to the United States. We want to implement this process in Poland as well and increase its efficiency. This doesn’t mean there will be less practical training and more theory. Quite the opposite—it means there will be more practical training while maintaining all standards. For us, this is an absolute priority. It’s a principle that is never compromised: safety and maintaining skill levels. These are absolutely the most important things for us,” said Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“We are facing a huge challenge. Not only in receiving Apache helicopters but also other helicopters, whether they are multirole or transport helicopters. It is essential for us to train young people who are quickly entering service and who can truly dedicate this early part of their lives wholeheartedly to the work and service in which they want to fulfill themselves. This is very important. There is probably no other responsibility as great, especially in the Air Force, as the one where you directly operate machines and aircraft. (…) We have a magnificent and rich history, but we want to build an even better one,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
The AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will be assigned to the 1st Aviation Brigade. They will replace the currently used outdated, Soviet-era Mi-24 helicopters. The AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will provide the Army Aviation with completely new combat capabilities in terms of striking targets and reconnaissance. This also represents another monumental shift in the modernization and development of the helicopter aviation of the Polish Armed Forces. Poland will also become the second-largest user of these helicopters worldwide, after the U.S. (Record-breaking contract for 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters for Poland).
“We are proud of our young pilots, cadets, and all the officer candidates and students here at the Dęblin school. I would also like to express my gratitude for the increasing opportunities available for women. About 20% of officer candidates here in Dęblin are women, which is an impressive figure. This result shows that the Air Force and the Polish Armed Forces are increasingly opening up to women who want to serve in the Polish army. I encourage everyone, both this year and in the coming years, to join the voluntary basic military service, as well as to study at military academies. We are prepared to start another academic year,” emphasized the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Polish Air Force University trains professional soldiers and candidates for professional military service for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, as well as aviation personnel for civilian services. Currently, the Air Force University offers full-time and part-time studies, postgraduate studies, professional development courses, and qualification courses for the next military rank in two faculties and four fields of study. In 2024, 1,542 candidates applied for admission to military studies at the Air Force University. For the 2024/2025 recruitment, the academy prepared 350 places across four fields of study (aviation and astronautics, navigation, logistics, air safety engineering). The most popular field was aviation and astronautics, with over six candidates competing for one spot.
Press release
https://twitter.com/MON_GOV_PL/status/1833099483300655470
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https://twitter.com/KosiniakKamysz/status/1833127325673705781
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