Israel orders 12 AH-64E Apaches from Boeing for 2030s

Israel has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of War to buy 12 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, the newest version of the Apache, with deliveries scheduled to begin early in the next decade, the Israel Ministry of Defense said on Oct. 14.

The ministry’s director general, Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, instructed Israel’s defense mission in the United States to sign the deal after the Israeli government approved it on Wednesday. The ministry did not disclose the value of the agreement or a specific delivery date, saying only that the helicopters are due at the start of the next decade.

The order is well below the package Washington cleared earlier this year. On Jan. 30, the U.S. State Department approved a possible sale of 30 AH-64E helicopters to Israel, together with 70 engines, Longbow fire-control radars and targeting sights, at an estimated cost of $3.8 billion. A Foreign Military Sales approval sets a ceiling, and buyers often sign for fewer aircraft than the notification covers.

Israeli officials said the agreement was tailored with U.S. counterparts to fit Israel’s needs, and both the defense minister and the ministry’s director general pointed to obstacles that had to be cleared to finish it.

“The execution of the Apache agreement was made possible thanks to creative solutions we developed together with our American partners, without compromising operational needs,” Baram said.

Neither official explained what those challenges were or whether Israel plans to order more of the 30 helicopters approved by Washington. Baram said the ministry will keep working to sign further agreements covering platforms and munitions as well as interceptors.

“The Israeli defense establishment invested considerable effort and acted with determination to overcome the challenges and complete this agreement,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.

The new helicopters are meant to replace the oldest part of the Israeli Air Force’s Apache force. Israel flies a mix of AH-64A Peten and AH-64D Saraf helicopters, and its 48-strong fleet includes 26 A-models that are up to 39 years old. Israeli Apaches have flown heavily since the war with Hamas began in October 2023, including strikes in Gaza and Lebanon and interceptions of drones.

The AH-64E, also known as the Apache Guardian, has more powerful engines and improved sensors and avionics over earlier models. It can also control drones from the cockpit and receive their video feeds, a feature the U.S. Army uses to pair Apaches with unmanned scouts.

Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. (res.) Ido Nehushtan said the Apache deal follows Israel’s earlier selection of Boeing’s KC-46A aerial refueling tanker and its decision to buy a second squadron of F-15IA fighters.