The United States government has authorized the possible sale of thousands of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles to equip the Israeli Air Force’s AH-64A/D Apache attack helicopters. The recent State Department notification to the U.S. Congress for review and approval complements a previous decision in favor of the Israeli government, which, as previously reported, includes thousands of bombs and guided munitions for Israeli fighter jets.
Currently, the Israeli Air Force is a major global operator of Apache attack helicopters, acquired decades ago from the United States. According to various reports, the Israeli fleet consists of a total of 40 aircraft in the Peten (A) and Seraf (D) versions. While these helicopters have undergone multiple upgrades and modernizations to keep them operational, the IAF has been evaluating options for replacing its older Apaches. Among the options being considered are replacing the Peten with new attack drones or, in a more conventional approach, acquiring new AH-64E “Guardian” helicopters—the most modern Apache variant currently being introduced into the aviation regiments of the U.S. Army and allied forces.
Returning to the present, as outlined in the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notification dated January 7, the Israeli government has requested to purchase 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles from the United States for its AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. The package, valued at $660 million, will be primarily supplied by Lockheed Martin.
An important detail in the notification is the request for various versions of the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, either as a specific variant or in a mixed acquisition. This could indicate the Israel Defense Forces’ need to replenish their guided munitions stockpiles after more than a year of conflict against the terrorist group Hamas and Iran-backed proxy groups.
The State Department stated: “The proposed sale will enhance Israel’s ability to address current and future threats by strengthening the Israeli Air Force’s capability to defend the country’s borders, critical infrastructure, and population centers. This sale will increase interoperability with U.S. forces and reinforces the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and the modernization of its armed forces. Israel will have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its military forces.”
Finally, the AGM-114 Hellfire is one of the primary air-to-surface weapons used by helicopters in the U.S. Armed Forces and allied militaries. It is designed to engage various armored vehicles and fortified structures, among other targets. Platforms equipped with the Hellfire include multiple versions of the AH-64 Apache, as well as the AH-6 Little Bird and AH-1Z Viper.
Photographs used for illustration purposes: Israeli Air Force.
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