Israel Signs $988 Million Deal for 12 Advanced Apache Helicopters
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Israel's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Pentagon have signed a $988 million deal for 12 advanced Apache "Echo" model helicopters. The agreement, finalized after a budget dispute, required the Israeli government to approve an additional NIS 1.03 billion for defense. The helicopters are scheduled for delivery in the early 2030s, with initial payments due between 2027 and 2029. This deal necessitates an increase in Israel's defense budget for 2026.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel will acquire 12 advanced Apache "Echo" model helicopters for $988 million.
- The deal was finalized after a two-week budget dispute between Israeli ministries.
- The Israeli government approved an additional NIS 1.03 billion for defense procurement.
- Helicopter deliveries are expected to begin in the early 2030s.
- The acquisition will increase Israel's defense spending in 2026.
Following a two-week budget dispute between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense, Israel has finalized a deal with the U.S. Pentagon to purchase 12 Boeing-manufactured Apache helicopters. These advanced "Echo" model helicopters, the latest and most sophisticated version, are slated for delivery starting in the early 2030s. The total cost of the acquisition is $988 million, averaging over $80 million per helicopter, and includes special Israeli-specific modifications. The agreement was made possible after the Israeli government approved an additional NIS 1.03 billion allocation for the defense establishment, designated for "advancing classified procurement." A budget gap emerged because the Ministry of Defense initially assumed payments for the helicopters, which are not due for delivery for three years, would also be deferred. However, the Pentagon's price quote revealed that $288 million would be payable between 2027 and 2029. This lack of an internal budget source necessitated an increase in Israel's defense spending for 2026.
