The deal had previously been postponed several times at Israel’s request due to the country’s budgetary constraints.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel’s Defense Ministry and the U.S. Pentagon have signed an agreement for the purchase of 12 advanced Apache attack helicopters for the IDF, manufactured by U.S. aerospace giant Boeing.
Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram instructed the ministry’s U.S. delegation to sign the agreement with the Pentagon following government approval on Wednesday.
The deal had previously been postponed several times at Israel’s request due to the country’s budgetary constraints.
Under the agreement, Israel will acquire 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, the newest and most advanced version of the aircraft. The helicopters are expected to be delivered at the beginning of the next decade.
The agreement and its financing structure were adapted through a joint Israeli-American effort to meet Israel’s operational needs while addressing its current budgetary constraints.
The Defense Ministry expressed its “deep appreciation” to the U.S. administration for its support for Israel’s security needs and for agreeing to repeatedly postpone implementation of the deal, allowing Israel to bridge budget gaps and move forward with what the ministry described as a critical procurement.
Defense Minister Israel Katz called the acquisition “a critical step in the IDF’s force buildup” that will strengthen its operational capabilities against a wide range of threats.
“The defense establishment invested significant efforts and acted with determination to overcome the difficulties and complete the deal, based on a deep understanding of its importance in ensuring the IDF’s strength and readiness for future challenges,” Katz said.
Baram said creative solutions developed with the United States enabled Israel to overcome the budgetary obstacles without compromising its operational requirements.
“The Defense Ministry will continue working at full pace to sign additional critical deals, including the procurement of additional platforms, munitions, interceptors and more,” Baram said, adding that the purchases are intended to ensure immediate readiness while advancing Israel’s decade-long force buildup plan, known as “Plan 400.”
Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. (res.) Ido Nehushtan said the IDF’s selection of the Apache E, alongside its procurement of KC-46A refueling aircraft and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets, demonstrates the aircraft’s proven battlefield capabilities and continued relevance against emerging threats.
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