Mil Mi-24 Hind
in
Wojska Lądowe

The Mil Mi-24, known in NATO reporting as the “Hind,” entered Polish service in the late 1970s, becoming one of the most recognizable attack helicopters of the Polish People’s Army during the Cold War.

Operated primarily by specialized aviation regiments, the Mi-24 gave Poland a significant boost in battlefield mobility and firepower, combining troop transport capacity with formidable weaponry. Various versions were delivered, including the Mi-24D and Mi-24V, and they were stationed at bases such as Pruszcz Gdański and Inowrocław. For Warsaw Pact planning, the Mi-24s were expected to play a key role in offensive operations, offering both close air support and the ability to insert small groups of troops directly into combat zones.

After the end of the Cold War, Poland retained its Mi-24 fleet, although the number of airframes has steadily declined due to age and limited modernization. The helicopters saw combat deployment abroad, most notably during Poland’s involvement in Iraq, where Mi-24s provided support for Polish and coalition ground forces. However, the fleet today suffers from obsolescence and limited compatibility with NATO-standard weapons. As a result, Poland has already placed orders for the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian, which will gradually replace the Mi-24 and bring the country’s attack helicopter capability in line with NATO’s most modern standards.