WARSAW, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Poland on Tuesday signed a

contract with the U.S. to buy 96 AH-64E Apache attack

helicopters as it bolsters its armed forces following Russia's

invasion of Ukraine.

Under the deal with the U.S. government announced by Defence

Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, the helicopters will provide

new combat capabilities in terms of target engagement and

reconnaissance, and will replace Poland's post-Soviet Mi-24

helicopters.

In August 2023 the U.S. approved the sale of 96 AH-64E

Apaches and related equipment to Poland for about $12 billion.

The deal provides a logistics package, including equipment

for helicopter maintenance, airport and hangar equipment and

technical support, a training package, and ammunition and spare

parts.

Earlier this month, Poland's defence ministry signed offset

deals with Boeing ( BA ) and General Electric ( GE ) worth nearly 1 billion

zlotys ($255 million) to compensate for the Apache deal.