WARSAW, Poland — April 4, 2026 : On March 31, 2026, MBF Group S.A., a company listed on the NewConnect market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with U.S.-based Advanced Digital Manufacturing LLC (ADM Works) to jointly develop a high-fidelity training simulator concept for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopter. The agreement formalizes cooperation between the two firms following a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) concluded on March 3, 2026, during the Drone World Expo in Warsaw.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for technical, operational, and commercial collaboration focused on creating a next-generation simulator that incorporates Mixed Reality (MR) technologies. These systems are intended to combine physical cockpit components with computer-generated environments, enabling pilots and maintenance personnel to interact with avionics, flight controls, and weapon systems in real time under simulated operational conditions.
Programme Context and Operational Requirement
The initiative is directly linked to Poland’s acquisition of 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters under the Kruk programme. The procurement, conducted through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with Boeing and valued at approximately $4.7 billion, will make Poland the largest Apache operator outside the United States. Deliveries of the AH-64E fleet are scheduled to begin in 2028.
As part of interim capability measures, Poland has leased eight AH-64D Apache helicopters to support initial pilot and maintainer training ahead of the arrival of the AH-64E platforms. The scale of the acquisition has created a requirement for expanded and scalable training infrastructure capable of supporting both operational readiness and long-term sustainment.
The proposed simulator is intended to address these requirements by offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional full-motion simulators. The system is expected to support mission rehearsal, systems familiarization, and maintenance training across a wide range of operational scenarios.
NATO Interoperability and Training Objectives
In addition to national requirements, the project is designed to align with NATO standards for interoperability and joint training. The simulator concept is expected to support allied forces operating within the European theatre by providing standardized training environments compatible with NATO procedures and systems.
The development of such a platform is positioned to contribute to enhanced readiness levels, particularly as multiple NATO member states expand their rotary-wing capabilities and integrate advanced attack helicopter platforms into their forces.
Roles and Responsibilities
Under the terms of the MoU, MBF Group S.A. will act as the project leader and business coordinator. The company is responsible for structuring the overall business model, including financial and commercial frameworks, and for managing institutional engagement with key stakeholders such as the Polish Armament Agency, the Ministry of National Defence, and selected NATO-aligned training institutions.
MBF Group will also coordinate consortium activities with domestic partners, including Squadron ASE Group and the Polish Industrial Lobby (Polskie Lobby Przemysłowe). This approach is intended to increase the level of domestic industrial participation, often referred to as “Polonization,” within the project’s technology and production base.
Robert Krassowski, a representative of the MBF Group S.A. Management Board, stated that the development of Apache-related training capabilities is aligned with both current operational needs and broader industrial objectives, including the integration of Polish entities into advanced NATO training system supply chains.
ADM Works, headquartered in Santa Ana, California, will contribute its expertise in aerospace engineering, digital design, and advanced manufacturing. The company has previously participated in projects involving aircraft structures and autonomous systems, including collaborations with Sierra Nevada Corporation on the “Freedom Trainer” aircraft, as well as work related to autonomous cabin concepts for Uber Technologies and Safran.
ADM Works also operates within regulatory environments governed by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), ensuring compliance with U.S. export control requirements and facilitating secure transatlantic technology cooperation.
Technical Scope and Development Approach
The simulator concept under development will focus on integrating Mixed Reality (MR) technologies with physical cockpit replicas and advanced software environments. This approach is intended to replicate complex combat and operational scenarios with a high degree of accuracy while maintaining flexibility in deployment and scalability.
The system is expected to support a range of training functions, including flight procedures, weapons employment, mission planning, and maintenance operations. By leveraging MR technologies, the platform aims to reduce dependency on large-scale full-motion simulators while maintaining training effectiveness.
Cooperation Framework and Timeline
The MoU is non-binding and defines an 18-month exclusive cooperation period between MBF Group and ADM Works. During this time, both parties will conduct technical analyses, develop conceptual models, and evaluate potential implementation pathways. ADM Works has agreed not to pursue a similar project in Europe with another partner during this period without prior consultation with MBF Group.
Any subsequent phases, including prototype development, system production, or deployment, will be subject to separate contractual agreements. These future steps may involve additional financing arrangements and expanded industrial participation.
Integration with Broader Defence Projects
MBF Group has indicated that the cooperation with ADM Works may also contribute to the development of its other defense and aerospace initiatives. These include the IRYDA Plus kinetic interceptor drone and the Mallard cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system.
The company views the partnership as part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in the defense technology sector and to strengthen transatlantic industrial links between European and U.S. partners.
Outlook
The project remains in the conceptual phase, with no disclosed timeline for prototype development or contract value. Further updates are expected as the technical and commercial aspects of the simulator concept are refined during the 18-month cooperation period.
The agreement reflects ongoing efforts by Poland to build comprehensive training and operational support infrastructure in parallel with the introduction of new-generation military platforms, while also contributing to NATO-wide capability development.
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