developing· Security· Updated 22:58

Israel Signs $988 Million Deal for 12 Advanced Apache Helicopters

Israel's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Pentagon finalized a $988 million deal on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, for the acquisition of 12 advanced Boeing Apache "Echo" model attack helicopters. The agreement, which was signed following Israeli government approval, will see the new helicopters delivered to Israel starting in the early 2030s.

7 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 17:29

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What happened

01Israel and the U.S. Pentagon signed a $988 million deal for 12 advanced Boeing Apache "Echo" model attack helicopters.
02The new helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to Israel starting in the early 2030s.
03The deal was finalized after the Israeli government approved an additional NIS 1.03 billion for defense procurement.
04A budget dispute arose when a Pentagon quote showed $288 million was due between 2027 and 2029, prior to delivery.
05The agreement had been postponed multiple times due to Israel's financial difficulties and budget constraints.
06Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the acquisition is a critical step in enhancing the IDF's operational capabilities.
07The helicopters will feature special Israeli-specific modifications tailored to the country's operational needs.

The transaction was completed after facing several delays and postponements due to complex budgetary constraints and financial difficulties in Israel. According to TheMarker, a two-week budget dispute between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defense was resolved after the Israeli government approved an additional NIS 1.03 billion allocation for defense procurement. This extra funding was required because a Pentagon price quote revealed that $288 million would be payable between 2027 and 2029, whereas the Ministry of Defense had initially assumed payments would be deferred until delivery.

Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the acquisition as a critical step in building the IDF's strength and enhancing its operational capabilities against a wide range of threats. The deal, which includes special Israeli-specific modifications, was formulated through a joint Israeli-American effort to align the procurement with Israel's economic constraints.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 5 newsrooms. Updated 22:03

Latest report: TheMarker. Read TheMarker’s original