The United States government has authorized the sale of new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to equip the Israel Defense Forces. The transaction, notified by the State Department to the U.S. Congress on January 30, falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and is valued at US$3.8 billion.
Over recent months and years, amid various debates within the Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Forces, Israel has been weighing and analyzing the renewal of its attack helicopter fleet, which is estimated at forty (40) aircraft corresponding to earlier versions of the AH-64 Apache family. Specifically, these include the Peten (A) and Seraf (D) models.
As previously reported, the Israel Defense Forces are seeking to replace their oldest Peten helicopters in service through the acquisition from the United States of the most modern version of the Apache family, designated the AH-64E Guardian, representing the most conservative option. This is because various voices have argued, based on current conflicts, that the attack and reconnaissance roles of specialized manned helicopters such as the AH-64 could be assumed by unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
Beyond these debates, and as reported by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on January 30, the Israeli government requested the purchase from the United States of a total of thirty (30) new AH-64E Guardian attack helicopters.
The deal, with Boeing as the prime contractor, includes a significant support package for the platform, comprising all major systems integrated into the AH-64E, such as T700-GE-701D engines, AN/ASQ-170 target acquisition systems, night vision systems, the Longbow fire control system, countermeasure suites, and laser warning receivers, among other listed items. However, the authorized sale does not include a weapons package for the potential new IDF Apaches.
The State Department stated: “The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.”
Finally, regarding the characteristics of the AH-64E Guardian —previously designated the AH-64D Block III— it represents the latest variant of the iconic U.S. attack helicopter, incorporating new equipment and capabilities.
These include enhanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, and more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with an improved forward gearbox to handle the increased power.
Also notable are the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and an upgraded landing gear. “…The new composite rotor blades, which successfully completed testing in 2004, increase cruise speed, rate of climb, and payload capacity…,” the U.S. Army officially notes.
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